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Post by Alan on Mar 24, 2007 22:11:17 GMT -5
Do Rolly Polly bugs (potato bugs, I don't know their "scientiffic name) eat seeds? I made the mistake of leaving some flats with tomato and eggplant seeds close to the ground in one of the greenhouses. The seeds were planted in Jiffy pots, after everything else in the greenhouse had germinated these had not, so I checked on them today and they had been invaded by rolly polly bugs! GRRRR, SEEDS SEEM TO BE MISSING! If so they must be destroyed. This is war Rolly Polly Bugs! I promise you that!
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Post by lavandulagirl on Mar 24, 2007 22:52:14 GMT -5
They may have eaten the seeds, but that was not their objective per se. Pillbugs prefer damp areas, which is why they are often found invading homes through openings close to patio doors, laundry rooms and basements. These bugs feed on decaying vegetation most often found in mulched areas around homes. The damp conditions and decaying organic debris are contributing factors when Roly Poly bugs are found. You just provided them with a smorgasbord when you set those trays on the ground, Alan. By the way - they aren't really bugs (insects) they're crustaceans. If they're really troublesome, get a pot of boiling water, some Old Bay Seasoning, and invite Barbie and GI Joe over for a New England Boil. ;D
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Post by Alan on Mar 25, 2007 7:06:08 GMT -5
Lavandula Girl:
"they aren't really bugs (insects) they're crustaceans."
Oh, they are so dead, if for no other reason than they are freaks of nature. Crustaceans on land must die!!!!!! RAAARRRRRR.
Thanks for the info, I did not know that.
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Post by kimikat on Mar 25, 2007 17:25:21 GMT -5
It was creepy to see them...As I was the one to notice it...They all came crawling out of the hole in the jiffy pellet...I was mildly horrified.
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Post by jeannine on Apr 7, 2007 1:19:29 GMT -5
I always find tons of them in my compost, never did think they would do any harm to my garden. So, are they a pest or are they benefecial?
Jeannine
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brook
gardener
Posts: 127
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Post by brook on Apr 7, 2007 6:25:09 GMT -5
Generally they are neutral, Jeannine.
True, they do cause some incidental damage. But, at the same time, they are aerating the soil, and hastening the decomposition process. So it's a trade-off.
My problem with them is that if there's a large population it means there are conditons condusive to slugs. And that can mean trouble.
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