Expert: Greg - 7/25/2006

Question
Hi Greg - these critter in my compost bin are "pillbugs" or also
called "roly-pollies" - There are 1000's of them.  My bin worms do
not like them and stay clear of them, but they do eat the vegetable
scraps I put in the compost bin, leaving none for the worms.  I live
is Southern California.  I only put in vegetable matter, mixing
"browns" with "greens" - Thanks!  Francene

Answer
Hello Again

"pillbugs" here in Michigan are about the size of a Pea. I don't know how big they can get in California, but they do go away as soon as the Weather gets cold.

I have contacted friends that would know about this, and they confirmed my suspect to this that they have a nest either in the Pile itself or close by. Also they seem puzzled that the Earthworms would be either scared, or in some way turned off by their presence.

So lets give this a try, it should work. Take newspapers and soak them well. Place the soaked nwespapers on top of the pile and let them sit over night. The next morning the pillbugs should be attatched to the bottom of the soaked newspapers, they like cold damp covered places. Wear gloves if you find these bugs squemish, and place them in a bucket.
Continue to do this till you have no more or few that cling to the papers. My methods are always Organic, and I will always suggest not using anything that could cause harm to the Worms.

Try this, and get back to me if it works, I have another method to try if this doesn't bring results. Either way let me know if this is successful.

Greg