Rolly pollies prefer decaying organic matter, though they will nibble young seedlings when moisture levels drop too low. So, do rolly pollies eat plants? The short answer is yes, but it’s more complicated than a simple yes or no.
These little armored creatures are a common sight in gardens. You’ve probably flipped over a rock or a log and seen them scatter. They are fascinating, but their eating habits can be a bit of a mystery to gardeners.
Let’s break down exactly what they eat, when they might become a problem, and how to manage them. This guide will give you the full picture on these tiny garden residents.
Do Rolly Pollies Eat Plants
Yes, they can and do eat plants, but they are not your primary garden villain. They are detritivores first and foremost. This means their main diet is dead and decaying material. Think of them as the cleanup crew of your garden.
They are also known as pill bugs, sow bugs, or woodlice. They are not insects; they are crustaceans. This is why they need moist environments to survive. Their gills require humidity to function properly.
Their preference for dead matter is strong. However, when conditions get dry, they will seek out moisture from living plants. Young, tender seedlings are particularly vulnerable because they hold a lot of water.
What They Normally Eat
In a healthy garden, rolly pollies are your friends. They break down organic matter and return nutrients to the soil. Their favorite foods include:
- Decaying leaves and plant debris
- Rotting wood and bark
- Fallen fruit that is starting to decompose
- Animal droppings
- Compost and mulch
This diet is crucial for soil health. They help with the decomposition process, making nutrients available for your plants. If you have a compost pile, you will likely see them working hard in there.
When They Turn To Living Plants
Rolly pollies are opportunistic. They will eat living plants when the conditions are right. This usually happens when:
- The weather is very dry and they need moisture
- There is a large population with not enough food
- Seedlings are just sprouting and are full of water
- They are trapped in a moist area with no other food source
They tend to go for plants that are already stressed or damaged. They will not usually attack a healthy, established plant. The damage is often cosmetic, like holes in leaves or missing seedlings.
Signs Of Rolly Polly Damage
It is important to identify the culprit before you take action. Rolly polly damage can look similar to slug or snail damage. Here is what to look for:
- Irregular holes in leaves, especially close to the ground
- Seedlings that are eaten off at the stem
- Damage on fruit that is touching the soil
- Shallow, irregular pits in strawberries or tomatoes
Unlike slugs, they do not leave a slime trail. They are also more active at night. You can confirm their presence by going out with a flashlight after dark.
How To Confirm It’s Them
You can set a simple trap to confirm their activity. Place a damp piece of cardboard or a halved potato on the soil. Leave it overnight. In the morning, check underneath. If you see a cluster of rolly pollies, they are likely the ones causing the damage.
This trap also works as a removal method. You can simply pick up the cardboard or potato and relocate the critters. This is a non-lethal way to manage their numbers.
How To Protect Your Plants
If you are seeing damage, you don’t need to panic. There are several effective ways to protect your plants. The goal is to manage the population, not eliminate them completely.
You want to keep the beneficial aspects of having them around. A healthy population is good for your soil. The key is to make your vulnerable plants less appealing.
Reduce Moisture And Hiding Spots
Rolly pollies need damp, dark places to hide during the day. If you remove these spots, they will move elsewhere. Here are some steps you can take:
- Remove piles of debris, rocks, and boards from the garden area.
- Avoid over-mulching. Keep mulch thin around young plants.
- Water in the morning so the soil surface dries out by evening.
- Elevate pots off the ground to reduce hiding spots underneath.
- Keep grass clippings and fallen leaves raked up.
This makes your garden less hospitable. They will still be around, but they will be less likely to congregate near your prized plants. This is often the best first step.
Create A Physical Barrier
For young seedlings, physical barriers are very effective. They are simple to set up and do not harm the rolly pollies. Consider these options:
- Use cardboard collars around the stems of young plants.
- Push plastic cups with the bottoms cut out into the soil around seedlings.
- Spread a layer of diatomaceous earth around the base of plants.
Diatomaceous earth is a sharp powder that cuts their exoskeleton. It is a natural deterrent. Just remember to reapply it after it gets wet. It works best when it is dry.
Use Traps For Removal
Trapping is a hands-on way to reduce the population. It is also a good way to monitor their numbers. The potato and cardboard trick is a great start. You can also use:
- Grapefruit halves turned upside down on the soil.
- Shallow dishes of beer sunk into the ground.
- Damp newspaper rolled up and left on the soil.
Check these traps each morning and remove the collected rolly pollies. You can relocate them to a compost pile or a wooded area. This is a simple and effective method for small gardens.
When To Take More Serious Action
Sometimes, cultural controls are not enough. If you have a severe infestation, you might need to consider other options. This is rare, but it can happen in very damp, shady gardens.
Before you resort to chemicals, try to understand why the population is so high. There is likely an abundance of food and moisture. Fixing the underlying issue is the best long-term solution.
Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators is a great biological control. Many animals eat rolly pollies. By making your garden welcoming to them, you can keep the population in check. Some of their predators include:
- Birds, especially ground-foraging species like robins.
- Toads and frogs.
- Ground beetles.
- Spiders.
- Lizards.
You can attract these animals by providing water sources and diverse plant life. A garden with a healthy ecosystem will self-regulate. This is a sustainable way to manage pests.
Chemical Controls As A Last Resort
There are pesticides labeled for pill bugs. However, these should be a last resort. They can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the soil ecosystem. If you choose to use them, follow the label instructions exactly.
Look for products that are specifically for crustaceans. Many general insecticides are not effective. You can also use a bait that is designed for snails and slugs, but it may not be as effective on rolly pollies.
It is often better to focus on prevention. A healthy garden with good drainage and less debris will naturally have fewer problems. Chemical controls are rarely necessary.
Are They Good Or Bad For Your Garden?
This is a question many gardeners ask. The truth is, they are both. They are a vital part of the decomposition cycle. Their benefits often outweigh the harm they cause.
They are not like aphids or caterpillars that can decimate a plant overnight. They are mostly a nuisance for young seedlings. Once your plants are established, they are rarely a threat.
The Benefits Of Having Them
Rolly pollies are excellent for soil health. They are one of the few creatures that can break down tough plant material. Their activity helps to:
- Improve soil aeration.
- Speed up the composting process.
- Add essential nutrients back into the soil.
- Help control other pests by eating their eggs.
They are also a food source for other wildlife. They are an important part of the food web. Having them around is a sign of a functioning, healthy ecosystem.
The Drawbacks
The main drawback is their taste for young, tender plants. This can be frustrating for gardeners who have just planted out their seedlings. The damage is often more severe in spring when there is less decaying matter available.
They can also be a nuisance in your home. They sometimes wander inside looking for moisture. They are harmless, but they can be a sign of a dampness problem. They do not bite or spread disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about rolly pollies and their eating habits. These should help clear up any remaining confusion.
Will Rolly Pollies Eat My Tomato Plants?
They can, especially if the tomatoes are touching the ground. They are more likely to eat ripening fruit that is in contact with the soil. They might also nibble on the lower leaves of the plant, but this is less common.
Do Rolly Pollies Eat Roots?
They are not typically root eaters. They prefer to eat decaying organic matter. However, if the soil is very dry, they might chew on fine root hairs in search of moisture. This is not usually a major problem.
Are Rolly Pollies Harmful To Humans?
No, they are completely harmless to humans. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They are safe to handle, though they might curl up into a ball when you pick them up. This is their defense mechanism.
Why Are There So Many Rolly Pollies In My Garden?
A large population usually means there is plenty of food and moisture. They thrive in damp, shady areas with lots of organic matter. Over-mulching and poor drainage can contribute to a population boom.
Will Rolly Pollies Eat My Strawberries?
Yes, they are known to eat strawberries. They are attracted to the ripening fruit, especially if it is resting on the soil. They will eat the underside of the berry, causing damage. Using a barrier or mulch can help protect them.
Final Thoughts On Managing Rolly Pollies
Rolly pollies are a fascinating part of the garden ecosystem. They are not your enemy, but they can be a nuisance. The key is to manage them with a balanced approach.
Focus on creating a garden that is less appealing to them. Remove their hiding spots and manage moisture levels. This will naturally keep their numbers down and protect your young plants.
Remember that they are doing more good than harm. They are working hard to break down organic matter and enrich your soil. A little tolerance goes a long way in creating a thriving, balanced garden.
You can enjoy their presence and still have a beautiful, productive garden. It just takes a little understanding and a few simple strategies. By working with nature, you can find a balance that works for everyone.
So, the next time you see a rolly polly, you will know exactly what it is doing. It is just trying to survive and do its job. With the tips in this guide, you can ensure they stay in their lane and leave your prized plants alone.