Q: I decided to clean out the shrub beds and remove the old wood mulch. When I did, I dug up dozens of roly-poly bugs, the insects which roll up into little balls when you touch them. Should I be concerned about finding so many of these insects in my shrub bed?

A: I applaud you for removing the old mulch instead of just piling more on top – it is a great spring project and should be done every few years or so. Mulch should only be about 2-3 inches thick and never piled up against the trunk of any tree or shrub. You most likely have uncovered dozens of pillbugs, which are actually crustaceans, not insects. Remember, insects have three body parts and only six legs whereas pillbugs have numerous armored body segments and well over six legs. Pillbugs are wingless and active during the night time hours preferring to stay cool in the damp mulch during the heat of the day. Their reaction to touch by rolling into a ball may be why they were called “pill” bugs or roly-polies. For the most part, pillbugs feed on decaying organic material but occasionally they do feed on the roots of our prized plants. Pillbugs can be found throughout Florida, anywhere decaying mulch, leaves or grass clippings are deposited. The female carries 7 to 200 eggs in a pouch on her underside for 3-6 weeks until the eggs hatch. She will carry the young around for another 6 to 7 weeks, which is a fairly long period of time for many insects. Pillbugs can cause damage to young vegetable plants and fruit with their rasping mouth parts but they are generally considered of no economic importance as they prefer to feed on decaying material when it is available. Attached is a publication on common crustaceans from the University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig093

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