3 Ways To Stop Woodlice From Eating Your Strawberries

Strawberries are delicious and highly sought after fruits, but they can also attract unwanted pests like woodlice.

Woodlice, also known as pill bugs or sow bugs, are small crustaceans that thrive in damp environments and feed on decaying plant matter. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to feast on ripe strawberries, leaving gardeners frustrated and strawberry patches depleted.

In this article, we will explore three effective ways to prevent woodlice from devouring your precious strawberries.

Understanding Woodlice and Strawberries

What are woodlice?

Woodlice are small, segmented creatures that belong to the crustacean family. They have a distinct oval shape and are commonly gray or brown in color.

While they resemble insects, woodlice are more closely related to lobsters and shrimp. These resilient critters thrive in moist conditions, making gardens an ideal habitat for them.

Woodlice behavior and diet

Woodlice are nocturnal creatures, preferring to come out at night when the environment is cooler and less exposed to predators. They are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter like dead plants and wood.

Unfortunately, strawberries can be a tempting treat for woodlice, especially when they are ripe and fragrant.

Impact of woodlice on strawberries

When woodlice infest strawberry patches, they can cause significant damage. They typically target ripe strawberries, piercing the fruit with their mouthparts and consuming the flesh.

This feeding activity leads to unsightly blemishes and can render the strawberries unappetizing or even inedible.

To ensure a fruitful strawberry harvest, it’s important to take proactive measures against these pesky intruders.

Preventive Measures

Creating physical barriers

One effective way to protect your strawberries from woodlice is by creating physical barriers. Surrounding your strawberry patch with a barrier, such as a fine mesh or netting, can prevent woodlice from accessing the fruit.

Ensure that the barrier is securely installed, covering the sides and the top of the patch. This method not only keeps woodlice at bay but also deters other potential pests.

Removing woodlice habitats

Woodlice thrive in damp environments, so reducing moisture levels around your strawberry plants can discourage their presence. Regularly remove decaying plant matter, fallen leaves, and any other debris that may serve as a hiding spot or a food source for woodlice.

Maintaining good garden hygiene will help create an unfavorable environment for these pests.

Companion planting

Companion planting involves strategically placing plants that repel or deter pests near your strawberries. Certain plants, such as marigolds, chives, and garlic, are known to repel woodlice and other garden pests.

Interspersing these plants among your strawberry plants can help deter woodlice and protect your precious berries.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and eco-friendly substance that can effectively control woodlice. It is composed of fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.

When sprinkled around the strawberry plants, the sharp edges of diatomaceous earth particles penetrate the exoskeleton of woodlice, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Beer traps

Woodlice are attracted to the scent of beer, making beer traps an effective control method. Simply bury a container, such as a small plastic cup or jar, up to its rim near the strawberry patch.

Fill the container with beer, and the woodlice will be lured into it, where they will drown. Regularly empty and refill the beer traps to maintain their effectiveness.

Garlic spray

Garlic has natural insect-repelling properties, including for woodlice. To create a garlic spray, blend several cloves of garlic with water and strain the mixture.

Dilute the garlic liquid with water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the leaves and soil around your strawberry plants, creating a deterrent scent for woodlice.

Conclusion

Protecting your strawberries from woodlice is crucial to ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits.

By implementing preventive measures such as creating physical barriers, removing woodlice habitats, and employing organic pest control methods like diatomaceous earth, beer traps, and garlic spray, you can effectively safeguard your strawberry patch.

Remember to monitor your plants regularly and take swift action if woodlice infestations occur. With these strategies in place, you can enjoy juicy, woodlice-free strawberries all season long.

FAQs

1. Can woodlice cause any harm to humans? No, woodlice are harmless to humans and do not pose any direct health risks.
2. Can woodlice infest indoor strawberry plants? Woodlice are typically outdoor pests and are less likely to infest indoor strawberry plants. However, it’s still important to maintain good hygiene and keep indoor plants free from debris.
3. Are chemical pesticides necessary to control woodlice? Chemical pesticides are not always necessary for controlling woodlice. Using organic pest control methods and preventive measures can be effective in managing woodlice infestations.
4. Are woodlice attracted to other fruits or vegetables? Woodlice primarily feed on decaying plant matter but may occasionally nibble on other ripe fruits or vegetables in the garden.
5. Can woodlice damage strawberry flowers? Woodlice are not known to cause significant damage to strawberry flowers. However, if they persistently infest the plants, they may consume some flower parts.