Introduction: What Are Rolly Pollies?

Rolly pollies, also known as pillbugs, woodlice, or scientifically as Armadillidiidae, are small, land-dwelling crustaceans commonly found in moist environments. These oval-shaped creatures are easily recognized by their ability to roll into a tight ball when threatened—a defensive behavior known as conglobation. While they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil, they can become a nuisance when they invade gardens and homes in large numbers.

In gardens, rolly pollies often feed on decaying plant material, but they may also target young seedlings and tender roots, causing damage to plants and crops. This makes understanding how to get rid of rolly pollies in the garden essential for maintaining healthy vegetation. Inside homes, these pests are usually accidental invaders seeking damp and dark environments. They are commonly found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, leading homeowners to search for effective methods on how to get rid of rolly pollies in the house.

Despite being harmless to humans and pets, the presence of rolly pollies indoors can be unsettling. Knowing how to get rid of rollie pollie bugs naturally and prevent them from entering your living spaces is key to maintaining a comfortable home environment. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various strategies and remedies on how to get rid of rolly pollies both inside and outside the house. Whether you’re dealing with a minor infestation or a persistent problem, we’ll provide you with practical solutions to eliminate these pests and prevent future invasions.

How to Get Rid of Rolly Pollies in the Garden

Rolly pollies, also known as pillbugs or woodlice, are commonly found in gardens where moisture and decaying organic matter are abundant. While they play a vital role in breaking down organic material, an overpopulation can lead to damage in your garden. Understanding how to get rid of rolly pollies in your garden is essential for maintaining healthy plants and a thriving ecosystem.

Why Rolly Pollies Are Attracted to Gardens

Before tackling the problem, it’s important to understand why rolly pollies are drawn to your garden:

• Moisture: Rolly pollies require damp environments to survive because they breathe through gill-like structures that need moisture.
• Darkness: They are nocturnal creatures that prefer dark, shaded areas to avoid dehydration from the sun.
• Decaying Organic Matter: Their primary diet consists of decomposing plants, wood, and leaves.

These conditions are often found in gardens with heavy mulch layers, dense vegetation, and areas with poor drainage.

Practical Steps to Get Rid of Rolly Pollies in the Garden

1. Reduce Moisture Levels

Controlling moisture is a crucial step in how to get rid of rolly pollies in the garden:

• Improve Drainage: Ensure your soil has proper drainage by adding organic matter like compost or sand. Raised garden beds can also help.
• Avoid Overwatering: Water plants in the morning to allow the soil to dry out during the day.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Remove containers or objects that collect water, and fix any leaks in irrigation systems.

2. Remove Decaying Organic Matter

Since rolly pollies feed on decomposing material, reducing their food source can help:

• Regular Cleanup: Remove fallen leaves, dead plants, and other debris from your garden beds.
• Proper Mulching: Use mulch sparingly and keep it away from the base of plants. Consider using inorganic mulches like gravel.
• Compost Management: Keep compost bins sealed and away from garden areas to prevent attracting rolly pollies.

3. Use Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can deter rolly pollies from reaching your plants:

• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around plant bases. This natural powder dehydrates rolly pollies upon contact.
• Copper Strips: Place copper barriers around garden beds or individual plants. The metal acts as a deterrent.
• Plant Collars: Use cardboard or plastic collars around the stems of young plants to prevent rolly pollies from climbing up.

4. Encourage Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators is an eco-friendly way to get rid of rollie pollies:

• Birds: Attract birds by setting up feeders and birdhouses. Species like robins and sparrows feed on rolly pollies.
• Frogs and Toads: Create a garden pond or provide moist habitats to attract amphibians that consume rolly pollies.
• Ground Beetles: These insects prey on rolly pollies and can be encouraged by minimizing pesticide use.

5. Natural Remedies

Implementing natural solutions can effectively reduce rolly polly populations:

• Potato Traps: Place sliced potatoes in the garden overnight. Rolly pollies are attracted to the starch and can be collected and disposed of in the morning.
• Beer or Yeast Traps: Bury shallow containers filled with beer or a yeast mixture. Rolly pollies crawl in and cannot escape.
• Handpicking: Regularly inspect plants and manually remove any rolly pollies you find.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the issue of how to get rid of rolly pollies in garden settings. Combining multiple methods often yields the best results, ensuring your plants are protected without harming the environment.

How to Get Rid of Rolly Pollies in the House

Rolly pollies, also known as pillbugs or rollie pollie bugs, are not just garden dwellers; they can also find their way into your home. Understanding how to get rid of rolly pollies in the house is essential to maintain a comfortable and pest-free living environment. While they are harmless to humans and pets, their presence indoors can be unsettling. This section provides effective and natural methods to eliminate rolly pollies inside your house.

Why Rolly Pollies Enter the House

Rolly pollies typically thrive in moist, dark environments, which is why they are often found outdoors under rocks, logs, and mulch. However, certain conditions inside your home can attract them:

• Moisture: They require high humidity to survive. Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are common areas where moisture accumulates.
• Darkness: Rolly pollies prefer dark spaces, such as under sinks, in crawl spaces, and behind appliances.
• Food Sources: They feed on decaying organic matter, which can sometimes be found inside homes due to clutter or indoor plants.

Understanding these factors is the first step in learning how to get rid of rolly pollies inside the house.

Steps to Get Rid of Rolly Pollies Inside the House Naturally

1. Reduce Indoor Moisture

Controlling humidity levels is crucial in how to get rid of rolly pollies in house naturally:

• Fix Leaks: Inspect your home for any leaking pipes, faucets, or fixtures and repair them promptly.
• Use Dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms to reduce humidity.
• Improve Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow by using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and consider installing ventilation in crawl spaces.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Regularly dry off countertops, sinks, and shower areas.

2. Seal Entry Points

Preventing rolly pollies from entering your home is a key strategy in how to get rid of rollie pollies:

• Inspect the Exterior: Check for cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, windows, and doors.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any openings where rolly pollies could enter.
• Install Door Sweeps: Add door sweeps to exterior doors to eliminate gaps at the bottom.
• Screen Vents and Windows: Ensure that all vents and windows have intact screens.

3. Remove Attractants

Eliminating factors that attract rolly pollies helps in how to get rid of rolly pollies in house:

• Declutter: Reduce clutter in storage areas, basements, and garages where rolly pollies can hide.
• Proper Food Storage: Keep food items sealed and clean up crumbs to remove potential food sources.
• Indoor Plants Care: Avoid overwatering indoor plants and remove any dead leaves or organic debris.

4. Use Natural Deterrents

Applying natural remedies is an effective way to get rid of rollie pollie bugs without using harsh chemicals:

• Diatomaceous Earth:
  • How It Works: This natural powder dehydrates rolly pollies upon contact.
  • Application: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards, under sinks, and in corners where rolly pollies are seen.
• Vinegar Solution:
  • How It Works: The acidity of vinegar repels rolly pollies.
  • Application: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to entry points and damp areas.
• Essential Oils:
  • How It Works: Strong scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil deter rolly pollies.
  • Application: Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spray around windows, doors, and baseboards.

5. Set Up Traps

Trapping can help reduce the number of rolly pollies indoors:

• Moisture Traps:
  • How It Works: Rolly pollies are attracted to moisture.
  • Application: Place damp newspaper or cardboard in areas where rolly pollies are active. Check daily and dispose of any collected pests.
• Fruit Traps:
  • How It Works: They are attracted to decaying organic matter.
  • Application: Leave a piece of fruit in a shallow container overnight. In the morning, remove any rolly pollies that have gathered.

Additional Tips for How to Get Rid of Rolly Pollies in the House

• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and sweep floors regularly to remove food particles and debris.
• Laundry Practices: Keep damp laundry off the floor and dry wet clothes promptly.
• Check Indoor Plants: Inspect potted plants for rolly pollies and avoid overwatering.
• Landscape Maintenance: Keep mulch, leaves, and other organic materials away from the house foundation to reduce the chance of rolly pollies migrating indoors.

How to Get Rid of Rolly Pollies Naturally (Indoor and Outdoor Solutions)

If you’re seeking eco-friendly and effective methods on how to get rid of rolly pollies both inside and outside your home, natural solutions are your best bet. These methods are not only safe for your family and pets but also beneficial for the environment. In this section, we’ll explore various natural remedies and preventive measures to help you understand how to get rid of rollie pollie bugs without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Natural Methods for the Garden

1. Diatomaceous Earth

How It Works: Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms called diatoms. It kills rolly pollies by absorbing the oils and fats from their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate.

Application:

• Sprinkle Around Plants: Lightly dust food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of plants and garden beds where rolly pollies are active.
• Reapply After Rain: Since moisture reduces its effectiveness, reapply after watering or rainfall.

Safety Note: Wear a mask during application to avoid inhaling the fine particles.

2. Handpicking

How It Works: Manually removing rolly pollies is a straightforward and immediate way to reduce their population.

Application:

• Evening Patrols: Rolly pollies are nocturnal. Go out with a flashlight after dusk and pick them off plants.
• Disposal: Drop the collected rolly pollies into a bucket of soapy water to prevent them from returning.

3. Natural Predators

How It Works: Encouraging the presence of natural predators helps keep rolly polly populations under control.

Application:

• Attract Birds: Install bird feeders and birdbaths to attract insect-eating birds like robins and wrens.
• Introduce Beneficial Insects: Ground beetles and centipedes prey on rolly pollies. Avoid using pesticides that could harm these helpful creatures.

4. Organic Baits

How It Works: Organic baits lure rolly pollies into traps, allowing you to remove them from your garden.

Application:

• Fruit Traps: Place slices of melon or citrus peels in areas where rolly pollies are prevalent. In the morning, collect and dispose of the fruit along with the gathered pests.
• Damp Newspaper: Roll up damp newspapers and leave them overnight. Rolly pollies will seek shelter inside, and you can remove the paper the next day.

Natural Methods for the House

1. Essential Oils

How It Works: Strong scents from certain essential oils repel rolly pollies, making them effective natural deterrents.

Application:

• Peppermint Oil Spray:
  • Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray along baseboards, windowsills, door thresholds, and any entry points where rolly pollies might enter.
• Eucalyptus and Lavender Oils:
  • These oils can also be used in the same manner as peppermint oil for added effectiveness.

Safety Note: Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets, and avoid contact with eyes and skin.

2. Vinegar Solution

How It Works: The strong odor and acidity of vinegar repel rolly pollies.

Application:

• Create a Vinegar Spray:
  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Apply the solution to areas where you have seen rolly pollies inside the house, such as baseboards, corners, and under sinks.

3. Maintain Dry Environments

Controlling indoor humidity is crucial in how to get rid of rolly pollies inside the house naturally.

Application:

• Use Dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms to reduce moisture levels.
• Improve Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: Repair any plumbing leaks or dripping faucets to eliminate excess moisture.
• Clean Regularly: Vacuum and clean damp areas to remove organic matter that rolly pollies may feed on.

4. Seal Entry Points

Prevent rolly pollies from entering your home by blocking their access points.

Application:

• Inspect Your Home’s Exterior: Look for cracks, gaps, and holes in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors.
• Seal with Caulk or Weatherstripping: Use appropriate materials to seal any identified entry points.
• Install Door Sweeps: Add door sweeps to exterior doors to eliminate gaps at the bottom.

Integrated Natural Strategies

Combining indoor and outdoor natural methods enhances the effectiveness of your efforts to get rid of rolly polly bugs.

1. Barrier Methods

• Perimeter Treatments: Apply diatomaceous earth around the exterior foundation of your home to create a barrier that rolly pollies will avoid.
• Mulch Management: Use inorganic mulch like gravel or stones near the house foundation instead of organic mulch, which retains moisture and attracts rolly pollies.

2. Landscaping Adjustments

• Trim Vegetation: Keep plants and shrubs well-trimmed and away from the house walls to reduce shaded, moist areas.
• Remove Debris: Clear away leaf litter, grass clippings, and wood piles from around your home’s perimeter.
• Proper Drainage: Ensure that water drains away from your home’s foundation to reduce moisture buildup.

3. Natural Repellent Plants

Certain plants can help deter rolly pollies from your garden.

• Marigolds: Plant marigolds around garden beds; their strong scent can repel rolly pollies and other pests.
• Garlic and Onion: These plants emit odors that rolly pollies find unappealing.

Benefits of Natural Methods

• Safe for Family and Pets: Natural remedies minimize the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Environmentally Friendly: They preserve beneficial insects and do not contaminate soil or waterways.
• Cost-Effective: Many natural solutions utilize common household items, reducing the need for expensive treatments.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Consistency is key when using natural methods to address how to get rid of rolly pollies in the house and garden.

• Regular Inspections: Check your home and garden frequently for signs of rolly pollies to catch any infestations early.
• Adjust Strategies as Needed: If one method isn’t providing the desired results, try combining it with others for increased effectiveness.
• Maintain Preventive Measures: Continue with moisture control and sealing entry points even after the rolly pollies are gone to prevent future infestations.

Preventing Future Rolly Pollie Infestations

Effective prevention is key to ensuring that rolly pollies, also known as rollie pollie bugs or pillbugs, do not become a recurring problem in your garden or home. By implementing strategic measures, you can minimize the likelihood of these pests returning. This section will provide comprehensive tips on how to get rid of rolly pollies in the long term, focusing on both garden and indoor environments.

Garden Prevention Strategies

Understanding how to create an inhospitable environment for rolly pollies in your garden is crucial. Here are some preventive measures to help you get rid of rolly pollies in the garden and keep them from coming back.

1. Optimize Watering Practices

Proper watering techniques play a significant role in reducing moisture levels that attract rolly pollies.

• Water in the Morning: Watering your garden in the early morning allows plants and soil to dry out during the day, reducing overnight moisture that rolly pollies prefer.
• Avoid Overwatering: Only water when necessary and ensure that you are not creating overly damp conditions. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target plant roots directly.
• Check Soil Moisture: Use a moisture meter or check the soil manually to ensure it’s not excessively wet.

2. Mulch Management

While mulch is beneficial for retaining soil moisture and suppressing weeds, it can also create a favorable environment for rolly pollies.

• Use Inorganic Mulch: Consider using gravel, stones, or rubber mulch instead of organic options like wood chips or straw, which retain moisture and provide food for rolly pollies.
• Keep Mulch Dry: If using organic mulch, keep it as dry as possible by avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper drainage.
• Mulch Placement: Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems to reduce moisture around the base of plants and make it less accessible to rolly pollies.

3. Improve Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil discourages rolly pollies from settling in your garden.

• Soil Amendment: Incorporate organic matter like compost or sand to improve soil structure and drainage.
• Raised Beds: Use raised garden beds to enhance drainage, especially in areas with heavy clay soils.
• Avoid Compaction: Refrain from walking on garden beds to prevent soil compaction, which can impede drainage.

4. Regular Garden Maintenance

Maintaining a clean and tidy garden reduces hiding spots and food sources for rolly pollies.

• Remove Decaying Matter: Regularly clear away dead leaves, fallen fruits, and other organic debris.
• Prune Plants: Trim back overgrown vegetation to improve air circulation and reduce shaded, damp areas.
• Weed Control: Keep the garden free of weeds, which can harbor moisture and serve as food sources.

5. Strategic Planting

Selecting certain plants and implementing companion planting can deter rolly pollies.

• Plant Resistant Varieties: Choose plants that are less appealing to rolly pollies, such as those with thicker leaves or woody stems.
• Companion Planting: Incorporate plants like marigolds, garlic, or onions, which can repel rolly pollies and other pests.

6. Landscaping Adjustments

Modifying your garden’s landscape can make it less attractive to rolly pollies.

• Remove Shelter: Eliminate stones, logs, and other objects where rolly pollies might hide.
• Proper Spacing: Space plants appropriately to avoid creating overly dense areas that retain moisture.
• Elevate Planters: Use raised planters or pots with good drainage to keep plants off the ground.

Indoor Prevention Strategies

Preventing rolly pollies from entering your home involves creating a dry, sealed environment and removing attractants. Here are steps on how to get rid of rolly pollies in the house and prevent future infestations.

1. Control Indoor Humidity

Maintaining low humidity levels indoors makes your home less hospitable to rolly pollies.

• Use Dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and keeping vents unblocked.
• Fix Moisture Issues: Repair any plumbing leaks, dripping faucets, or condensation problems promptly.

2. Seal Entry Points

Prevent rolly pollies from entering your home by sealing potential access points.

• Inspect and Seal Cracks: Regularly check your home’s exterior for cracks in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors. Seal them with caulk or appropriate sealants.
• Weatherstripping: Install weatherstripping around doors and windows to eliminate gaps.
• Door Sweeps: Add door sweeps to exterior doors to prevent rolly pollies from crawling underneath.
• Screen Maintenance: Repair or replace damaged window and vent screens to block entry.

3. Reduce Indoor Clutter

Clutter provides hiding places and can accumulate moisture.

• Organize Storage Areas: Keep basements, garages, and closets organized and free of unnecessary items.
• Use Plastic Bins: Store items in airtight plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, which can absorb moisture.
• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and dust regularly to remove potential food sources and maintain a dry environment.

4. Proper Waste Management

Proper disposal of organic waste minimizes attractants for rolly pollies.

• Indoor Composting: If composting indoors, ensure the compost bin is well-sealed and managed properly.
• Prompt Disposal: Dispose of kitchen scraps and organic waste promptly.
• Clean Pet Areas: Regularly clean pet feeding areas and cages to remove spilled food and waste.

5. Landscaping Near the Home

The area immediately surrounding your home can impact indoor pest issues.

• Clear Debris: Remove leaf litter, mulch, and grass clippings from around your home’s foundation.
• Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and plants trimmed back away from the exterior walls to reduce moisture and access points.
• Proper Grading: Ensure the ground slopes away from your home to prevent water accumulation near the foundation.

6. Monitor Indoor Plants

Indoor plants can harbor rolly pollies if not properly maintained.

• Avoid Overwatering: Allow the soil of indoor plants to dry out between waterings.
• Inspect Plants: Regularly check potted plants for signs of rolly pollies and remove any you find.
• Use Well-Draining Pots: Ensure plant containers have drainage holes and use saucers to catch excess water, which should be emptied promptly.

Long-Term Solutions

For lasting success in how to get rid of rolly pollies inside the house and in your garden, consider these long-term strategies.

1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance

• Seasonal Checks: Inspect your home and garden at the beginning of each season to identify and address potential issues.
• Professional Assessment: If necessary, consult a pest control professional for a thorough evaluation and recommendations.

2. Educate Household Members

• Awareness: Ensure everyone in the household understands the importance of maintaining a dry, clutter-free environment.
• Responsibilities: Assign tasks for regular cleaning and maintenance to keep prevention efforts consistent.

3. Sustainable Gardening Practices

• Organic Gardening: Adopt organic gardening methods that promote a balanced ecosystem, reducing pest problems naturally.
• Beneficial Insects: Encourage predators of rolly pollies by creating habitats for birds, frogs, and beneficial insects.

4. Stay Informed

• Research: Keep up-to-date with the latest pest control methods and preventive measures.
• Community Resources: Participate in local gardening clubs or online forums to share experiences and learn from others.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get rid of rolly pollies effectively requires a combination of immediate action and long-term preventive measures. These small crustaceans, while beneficial in their natural role as decomposers, can become a nuisance when they invade our gardens and homes. By addressing the factors that attract them—primarily moisture and organic debris—you can significantly reduce their presence both indoors and outdoors.

In the garden, implementing proper watering techniques, optimizing soil drainage, and maintaining cleanliness are essential steps in how to get rid of rolly pollies in the garden. Natural remedies such as diatomaceous earth, handpicking, and encouraging natural predators provide eco-friendly solutions without harming the environment. Remember, a healthy garden ecosystem is your best defense against these pests.

When it comes to your home, controlling indoor humidity, sealing entry points, and reducing clutter are key strategies for how to get rid of rolly pollies in the house. Utilizing natural deterrents like essential oils and vinegar solutions can help eliminate existing infestations without the use of harsh chemicals. Regular maintenance and vigilance are crucial in how to get rid of rolly pollies inside the house and prevent future invasions.

Preventive measures are the cornerstone of long-term success in managing rolly pollies. By adopting sustainable gardening practices, improving landscaping, and maintaining a dry, clean indoor environment, you can create conditions that are inhospitable to these pests. Education and consistent effort are vital in ensuring that you not only get rid of rollie pollie bugs but also keep them from returning.

Key Takeaways:

• Moisture Control: Reducing moisture levels is fundamental in how to get rid of rolly pollies both inside and outside your home.
• Natural Solutions: Employ natural methods like diatomaceous earth, essential oils, and encouraging natural predators to eliminate rolly pollies safely.
• Preventive Measures: Implement long-term strategies such as sealing entry points, optimizing garden practices, and regular maintenance to prevent future infestations.
• Consistency: Regular monitoring and upkeep are essential in maintaining a rolly polly-free environment.

By integrating these strategies, you can effectively address the challenge of how to get rid of rolly pollies and enjoy a healthy, comfortable living space. Whether you’re dealing with an existing infestation or looking to prevent one, the solutions provided in this guide offer practical and environmentally friendly approaches to manage rolly pollies successfully.

Additional Resources

For more information on managing rolly pollies and other common household and garden pests, consider exploring the following reputable resources:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Safer Choice Program

• Website: EPA Safer Choice
• Description: Offers guidance on choosing safer pest control products and practices that are environmentally friendly and safe for family and pets.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles

• Website: EPA Integrated Pest Management

Description: Explains the principles of IPM, a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools.