Mulch,Compost,Oak Leaves, & Pill Bugs

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behillman Plantersville, TX(Zone 9a) May 17, 2010

Sorry about the frustration. Last year, I used Oak Leaves for Mulch. I had millions of hard covered worms. I don't know their name. We moved , & now I used Oak Leaves for Mulch, & I have Billions of Pill bugs. They are the ones that turn into a ball when you touch them. Should I stop using Oak Leaves for Mulch? Help someone.

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) May 17, 2010

I, too, have pillbugs. Millions of pillbugs. It's a by-product of my eco-culture. My yard is bounded by a (usually plugged-up) bayou on the back side, and maintains a damp, moist, almost "fern-gulley" environment most of the time. I definitely would NOT categorize my yard as "dry". Because of the available conditions (decaying leaves, mulch, dampness, grass cover, and hiding places) the pillbug and snail population thrives there.

I've also learned that pillbugs feast on decomp, and they'll go after your tender seedlings ONLY when there's no available decomp. I have a compost pile and use a LOT of decomp organics in my veggie growing system, consequently I WILL have pillbugs in most places. To the extent that they enjoy the decomp elsewheres is the extent I can protect my seedlings!

I have found that SLUGGO PLUS sprinkled in my veggie containers and around the perimeter of anything I want off limits to the rolly-pollies is, by far, the BEST product I have ever used.

All is not lost. Work with the enemy and let 'em loose in your compost pile...they churn up just like the earthworms...

Hope this helps...

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tarheel2az Tonto Basin, AZ May 17, 2010

I have zillions - they'll scrape on the stem of very small seedlings & can do them in, but they're way more beneficial than harmful, IMHO. To neutralize them, I try to get seedlings large before planting (since I inevitably seed way too early, this is pretty easy to do). If I have smaller seedlings to go in the ground then the day before planting I scrape the mulch back, right down to bare dirt, about six inches away from the planting point.

When the seedlings have been grown in plastic cup, I cut the bottom off the cup and position the planted seedling foliage inside the cup with the cut edge scuffed slightly into the dirt. Only takes a few seconds & works perfectly.

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behillman Plantersville, TX(Zone 9a) May 17, 2010

Thanks for the advise everyone. I feel much better. I had thought about keeping my mulch a distance from my plants. Also, I can keep my compost pile on the other side of the yard. I know these critters are good for the soil, just as worms. I heard on tv that there is an epidemic of worms around also. I forgot why he said this was bad.

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