I just planted some hydrangeas and I noticed that something was eating them. Today I examined them closely and saw these little black roly-poly bugs. I checked on the Internet and they are called pillbugs or sow bugs. Has anyone else had this problem with pillbugs eating their plants? If so, does anyone know of any way to get rid of them? I want to try to get rid of them organically first then if that doesn't work, I would be willing to try some sort of pesticide. Any suggestions?

Sowbugs and Pillbugs—or Rollypollies-as they are more commonly called, are interesting creatures in that they are crustaceans-more closely related to crayfish than insects.

Adult are slate gray or brown ¼--5/8 inch long. Most of these creatures will curl up into a little ball when they are disturbed. In the nymph stage of their life cycle, sowbugs and pillbugs look just like the adults only smaller.

Sowbugs and pillbugs usually don’t do much damage to plants—unless of course their population numbers are very high. In this they could damage small seedlings. Most of the time though, they will feed solely on decaying organic matter.

Adults lay eggs in damp areas, so to control populations do your best to eliminate wet areas in the garden. Diatomaceous earth can also be an effective control if sprinkled in areas where the sowbugs and pillbugs congregate.

You can also use sticky traps; these can be purchase at your local garden center of hardware store. Or you make your own by coating paper with a product called Tanglefoot.

Another way to reduce populations is to place a board in an area where they congregate to collect them and then you can destroy then en mass.

To keep sowbugs and pillbugs from getting into your houseplants pots when you are summering them outdoors, stretch a knee high stocking over the bottom of the pot to block the drainage hole.