Common pill woodlouse

The Common pill woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare) belongs to the order Isopoda and the family Armadillidiidae. Despite being crustaceans, they have fully adapted to terrestrial life, though they maintain a high requirement for moisture. These pests are frequently found in damp garden environments, greenhouses, and areas with heavy mulch coverage.

These organisms feed on a wide variety of crops, primarily targeting seedlings and young, succulent plant parts. Common hosts include cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and various ornamental plants. They are particularly destructive in environments where plants are grown in close proximity to damp soil or decaying organic matter.

The biology of Armadillidium vulgare is dictated by their need for high humidity. They are nocturnal, spending daylight hours hiding under debris, rocks, or within soil crevices. Females brood their eggs in a marsupium on their underside, allowing them to produce robust offspring that thrive in stable, moist environments.

Damage is characterized by irregular holes in leaves, stem stripping, and consumption of root systems in young seedlings. Beyond direct tissue damage, their presence often creates entry points for fungal infections in fruits that touch the ground. High populations can cause rapid destruction of greenhouse vegetable crops if left unmanaged.

Effective control measures focus on reducing habitat suitability for the woodlice:

• Reducing soil moisture through improved drainage and spacing.
• Removing piles of mulch, leaf litter, and garden debris near sensitive crops.
• Using physical traps, such as overturned damp boards, to collect and remove individuals.
• Applying granular molluscicides or specialized insecticides only when necessary and according to label directions.