#containergardening
So, I have been seeing these little insects in my containers like for years now. I’m really not sure if they are beneficial or not. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, but if anyone knows what these are and if they’re beneficial insects, please comment down below and let me know. I don’t know if these are the same things that they call roly poly. I don’t know. Look at them. I just sold some seeds and I just want to know if I should be concerned about all these little critters that is crawling around in my containers. Oh my gosh. I hope they are beneficial.
13 Comments
They look like rolly pollies & according to google, they definitely eat your plants.
Yes, My 4 year old grand girl always says,"Lolli don't kill them!" I of course encourage her to go play 😂❤
Ground down some cloves and let it steep I. Water and then spray on soil
They look like wood. Lice
Rolli-polli: they are decomposing insects and they eat some plants.
Wood lice. They help to break down bark and leaf litter.
Rolli pollis! Or in my family theyre called potato bugs. If you grab one, they roll into balls!
They are the worlds recycling bug! They break down and eat dead leafs, dead plants, and dead bugs!
Fun fact, they’re actually crustaceans! Good for the soil and totally harmless. While some kinds can nibble live plants when other food is scarce, most stick to what’s already dead and lying on the ground. They’re good for the soil.
I keep a few kinds as pets, they can come in lots of different colors and patterns. Love these little guys, the ground crawls with them after a rain at my house.
They're called isopods! Isopods can get VERY large. People cook and eat giant isopods, just like that scene in Emporer's New Groove
Look up Rubber Ducky Isopods! They are SO cute.
roly-polies (also known as pill bugs or sowbugs) can be beneficial for gardens, especially in small numbers. They are natural decomposers that break down organic matter, improving soil quality. However, if their population becomes too large, they can damage plants.
Here's a more detailed look at their role in the garden:
Benefits:
Decomposers:
Roly-polies consume decaying plant matter, helping to break it down and return nutrients to the soil.
Soil aeration:
Their activity can help aerate the soil, improving drainage and allowing roots to breathe.
Nutrient cycling:
They help cycle nutrients in the soil, making them more accessible to plants.
Potential Downsides:
Plant damage:
In large numbers, they can damage seedlings, roots, and even lower leaves and fruits, especially if there's a lack of decaying matter to feed on.
Indoor nuisance:
They may occasionally come indoors, seeking moisture and food, which can be a nuisance.
When to be concerned:
If you notice a large population, especially after periods of high rainfall, they may be overpopulating and causing damage.
If you see them feeding on healthy plants or seedlings, it's a sign that their numbers are too high.
one of the best decomposers 🙂
There are a lot. A few is not a problem, but a lot is concerning. They will eat your garden up.