My house has been invaded by rolypolys! Has anyone had any luck with natural non toxic home remedies for keeping these lil guys out? I know they like dark damp places but cant seem to figure out why they love my house so much since its pretty dry. Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Robin
nicofrog
11-13-2008, 10:57 AM
Rolly polies are harmless in house and garden compost makers
except they do poo inside increasing rot in wood,way for ants,spiders
centipedes more rot and scorpions etc...house as compost heap.
oh and they DO eat strawberries! wouldn't YOU?
go outside all around house and hoe or rake all mulch around two feet back. check ventilation under house if its a raised wooden floor, drainage around if cement.
don't use insecticides unless you like lukemia.
you may be able to put tea tree oil, neem, or other strong organics like eucalyptus sage etc.. I have chased out mice with sage, incense, and firecrackers(not exactly organic, but too the point!)
good luck, say hi to the rollies!
Nico
Hello Waccos!
My house has been invaded by rolypolys! Has anyone had any luck with natural non toxic home remedies for keeping these lil guys out? I know they like dark damp places but cant seem to figure out why they love my house so much since its pretty dry. Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Robin
Braggi
11-13-2008, 11:21 AM
Rolly polies are harmless in house ...
You can roll them in egg, coat with flour and pan fry at high temperature.
Otherwise, try a drop or two of lemon or orange oil in the crevasses where they congregate. Wet a Q-tip to apply.
Let us know what works.
-Jeff
PS. Also, caulk cracks.
robinj
11-13-2008, 04:26 PM
thank you both for the great advice.
i will try both tea tree and lemon oil!
bye bye rolypolys!!
:thumbsup:
Gary
11-13-2008, 10:48 PM
Wow, I've never heard of these critters coming into houses in large numbers. I think the best bet is to do what Nico suggested and keep their moist hiding places away from any entrances, because I imagine what you are getting are some unfortunate nocturnal strayings. As you say, if your house is dry they won't be very happy inside, which brings me to what I love about these guys. They are crustaceans, meaning that they are more related to crabs and shrimps then they are to the insects we see around our houses.
One of the very odd things about Arthropods is how, with such a massive number of species, the Crustaceans and Insects are so divided when it comes to the water. While there are a large number of freshwater insects, they are still overwhelmingly a terrestrial group by their numbers. The crustaceans are overwhelmingly a marine group, with some freshwater and even fewer terrestrial species. The pillbugs and their kin are the main representatives of terrestrial crustaceans! So for such a common and humble "bug", they are really quite special.
I know this was off topic of your advice request, but I couldn't help myself. Plus I get paid by the Isopods for Equality group to promote their cause. Good luck.:):