SOW BUGS IN COMPOST PILE

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
BecksterCa Willits, CA(Zone 8a) Sep 14, 2004

I went out to turn my compost pile the other day and it is infested with sow bugs (roly polys).
My question is: Are these good bugs or bad bugs? Will the freezing weather kill them? Is there something I can do to get rid of them?
We have lots of Wild Turkeys and I was hoping they would find them and eat them. Is there a natural predator to take care of them? I hate to resort to spraying my compost pile. HELP!!!

Post #1048956
Quote
eje San Francisco, CA(Zone 10a) Sep 14, 2004

It's my understanding they aren't really particularly good or bad bugs.

They feed on rotting plant and animal matter and the odd small plant.

Not sure what eats them. Probably insect predators, small snakes, moles, amphibians and the like.

Interestingly, they aren't insects at all and are closest related to shrimp and crayfish and thus need a moist environment to survive.

I don't think there is any reason to spray for them.

They are helping to recycle your compost.

Post #1049202
Quote
BecksterCa Willits, CA(Zone 8a) Sep 14, 2004

When my husband came in and told me my compost pile had bugs I said,
"Good, bugs help make the compost". But when I went out to look at them it was like a Fear Factor bug thing. They are everywhere, it was so gross......
Can there be too much of a good thing?

Post #1049223
Quote
eje San Francisco, CA(Zone 10a) Sep 14, 2004

Is it a cold compost or hot compost pile?

If it is cold compost, I doubt there is much you can do.

If you are trying for hot compost, maybe adding the type of materials which raise the temperature and turning more frequently might help. They probably won't hang around as much if you really have it cooking.

I found this page which has hints for common compost problems and some information specifically about sow bugs.

http://organicstyle.com/feature/0,8028,s1-41-30-35-361,00.html

Post #1049327
Quote
BecksterCa Willits, CA(Zone 8a) Sep 14, 2004

Great site.
Thanks!
I think I'll try turning up the heat!
-B

Post #1049370
Quote
plantnutz Austell, GA(Zone 7a) Nov 16, 2004

Can there be too much of a good thing? Maybe. In my yard I think it is impatiens. They are gorgeous but too much of a good thing.

Post #1147875
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Garden Pests and Diseases Threads

Go to all Garden Pests and Diseases threads
BACK TO TOP