Woodlice in raised beds are a common issue for many gardeners, especially in summer. These small crustaceans can be both beneficial and harmful to your raised bed. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about woodlice, how to recognize them, what they eat and how you can fight them effectively.
The most important thing in brief
Woodlice: beneficial insects or pests?
- Decompose organic material and improve the soil
- Can damage plants such as radishes, strawberries and lettuce
Effective control of woodlice in raised beds:
- Keep raised beds dry
- Remove hiding places
- Use homemade traps and home remedies
- Encourage natural enemies
woodlice(Porcellio scaber)are small crustaceans that prefer moist environments and are therefore frequent residents of gardens, greenhouses and compost heaps.They also penetrate the house.
They play an important role in the ecosystem by decomposing organic material such as twigs, leaves and old roots and improving the soil. Woodlice find their way into your raised bed because it is moist and there is enough food, such as dead plant parts and humus.
During the day they stay in a suitable shelter and, when threatened, pretend to be dead by curling up into a ball. At night, woodlice leave their hiding places and look for food in cool air. In winter they go into hibernation.
*Ants and woodlice often appear together because they prefer similar moist conditions. Ants can view woodlice as prey. Read about what other types of pests you can discover in raised bedsin this article.
Are woodlice harmful in raised beds?
Basically, woodlice are not necessarily harmful. They contribute to soil fertility by decomposing organic material. However, they can become a problem in raised beds,when they occur in large numbersand your radishes andStrawberrieseat. In such cases it is important to take action.
What do woodlice eat and which plants are particularly at risk?
Woodlice feed primarily on dead plant material. However, they can also eat living plants. The crops that are particularly often nibbled on by woodlice include:Radishes, strawberries, potatoes, beetsandSalat.
The damage often shows throughsmall holes and traces of feeding on the leaves and fruits. A high number of woodlice found under stones or damp leaves also indicates a possible problem.
How can you keep woodlice out of the raised bed?
Since woodlice are also beneficial insects, the use of poison should be avoided. Instead, cannatural methodsbe used.
Preventive measures
To get rid of woodlice, you should keep the raised bed dry and ensure good drainage. Avoid leaving organic material such as leaves and debris in the raised bed. A layer of mulch can help regulate moisture and make the raised bed less attractive to woodlice. Regularly removing hiding places such as stones and boards can also be helpful.
DIY basement woodlice traps
Homemade traps attract the animals, which can then be collected and released at a suitable location. Here are some examples:
- Vegetables as baitlay out, e.g. B. from boiled potatoes, carrots or Jerusalem artichokes
- aclay potProvide with moist leaves or compost soil
- woodlice withdamp kitchen towels or egg cartoncatch
- oneGlass bottle with wine spiritlay out as bait
Home remedies for woodlice
What don't woodlice like? These can help drive away woodlice:
- rock powder
- Diatomaceous earth
- baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Sage leaves
What natural enemies do woodlice have and how can you encourage them?
Woodlice have natural enemies such asBirds, frogs, toadsandSpiders. Encourage these beneficial insects in your garden by providing them with habitats. A pond can attract frogs and toads, while nest boxes and hedges attract birds. A diverse and natural garden also supports balance and keeps the woodlice population in check.
Woodlice in raised beds can be both useful and harmful. It's important to maintain balance and take action when necessary to prevent damage to your plants. With the right methods and a little patience, you can keep your raised bed free of woodlice and healthy.
Title photo: Shutterstock.com /Thijs de Graaf
