Pill Bugs

[PhloxJeana]

My orchids go outside in the summer and the potted ones always have pill bugs in them. Nothing new - they end up in most of my non-orchid plants as well. I know that their waste builds up and can cause rot, but do the bugs themselves feed on the roots or cause other problems. Unlike non-orchids, I can't soak them in soapy water or use a systemic. So if they're problematic, how do I get rid of them?

[vjo]

I dont know for sure but I don't think they hurt anything...Jean

[Leafmite]

I have them in all my pots, too.

[OhioBob]

I get them too and they don't seem to be a problem. The plants taht have them also seem to be healthier but that may be from spending the summer outside. The pill bugs eat fungus and bacteria in the media and surface of the roots which may also include some of the root surface. I think the biggest negative is bringing the bugs inside in the fall.

[RJSquirrel]

Pill bugs and sow bugs may be trapped using a half of a cantaloupe or a hollowed-out potato placed upside down as close as possible to where the bugs have been spotted.

from the AOS website.

I never noticed them being troublesome. I never noticed anything eating them either