Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a fine, naturally occurring powder primarily composed of silica. It is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic, single-celled algae that lived in ancient bodies of water. “Rollie Pollies,” also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are common garden arthropods that roll into a ball when disturbed. These creatures are terrestrial crustaceans that thrive in damp, dark environments, often feeding on decaying plant material. This non-toxic, mechanical pest control method offers a solution for managing rollie pollie populations.
The Direct Answer: Diatomaceous Earth and Rollie Pollies
Diatomaceous Earth is effective at controlling rollie pollies. Pill bugs possess a hard exoskeleton, making them susceptible to the physical action of the DE powder, which works by contact. The substance is recommended as a natural way to reduce their numbers without resorting to chemical pesticides. Rollie pollies are arthropods, and their body structure is vulnerable to the powder’s desiccating effects.
The Scientific Mechanism of Pest Control
The powder consists of microscopic, razor-sharp particles of silica, which are harmless to mammals but function as a lethal abrasive to small arthropods. When a pill bug crawls over the fine dust, the sharp edges of the diatom fossils mechanically abrade and puncture the protective, waxy outer layer of its exoskeleton. This waxy coating is the arthropod’s defense against water loss. Once this layer is compromised, the high absorptive capacity of the DE powder draws moisture and body fluids out of the rollie pollie. The physical abrasion creates micro-wounds, and the rollie pollie rapidly loses water, leading to severe dehydration, or desiccation. This mechanical action ensures pests cannot develop a resistance to DE, unlike chemical insecticides.
Practical Application Methods for Effective Use
Application
Always use food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, which is processed differently than pool-grade DE and is generally considered safe for use around people and pets. When applying the powder, a thin, barely visible layer is more effective than a thick pile, as pests tend to avoid dense accumulations of the dust. The efficacy of DE is significantly reduced when it becomes wet. It must be applied when the area is dry and reapplied after any rainfall or overhead watering. Because rollie pollies seek out damp, dark places, application should focus on their hiding spots, such as under mulch, beneath potted plants, near foundations, and in cracks and crevices. Applying the dust in the late afternoon is recommended, as rollie pollies are more active during cooler, nighttime hours.
Safety
When handling the powder, personal safety measures are necessary because inhaling the fine dust can irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and eyes. Wearing a mask, such as an N95 respirator, and gloves is necessary to prevent inhalation and skin irritation from the abrasive particles. While food-grade DE is non-toxic, these handling steps ensure the comfort and safety of the user during the application process.