CLOSED: Identify please

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renee1174 Hopewell, NJ Aug 16, 2015

Wondering what these are, they are all over in my flower beds at night. I hope they just like living in there and are not causing any trouble.

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greenthumb99 Lucketts, VA(Zone 7a) Aug 16, 2015

Not an insect, but a species of isopod, known as pillbugs, sowbugs, roly-poly bugs and many other common names. They generally mainly feed on decaying organic matter and aid in debris breakdown and bioturbation of the soil. Unlikely causing any harm.

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renee1174 Hopewell, NJ Aug 16, 2015

Ah ok so they are prolly loving what's going on under the mulch! Thanks so much.

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1lisac Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a) Aug 16, 2015

They can be distructive. They will mow down seedlings chewing on leaves and fruit or veggies that are touching the ground. If you don't have any of these then they shouldn't cause any problems. They thrive in damp dark conditions. They are a major pest in my garden where they eat seeds and seedlings.

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greenthumb99 Lucketts, VA(Zone 7a) Aug 16, 2015

Some can be problematic. To quote WIkipedia: "Although woodlice, like earthworms, are generally considered beneficial in gardens for their role in producing compost and overturning the soil, they have also been known to feed on cultivated plants, such as ripening strawberries and tender seedlings." I have not found them to be a problem locally.

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renee1174 Hopewell, NJ Aug 20, 2015

Ah ok so they are prolly loving what's going on under the mulch! Thanks so much.

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renee1174 Hopewell, NJ Aug 20, 2015

Don't know why my first post posted again, I mainly see them in the flower beds where I have gladiolus (not sure what their issue was but most never bloomed correctly and those that did were spotty) anyhow, I have a strawberry patch not to far from the flower beds, the berries are not mulched yet but the flower beds are. Is there any safe insecticide or anything I can put down near or on the berries to keep them away?

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