Pill Bugs and Sow Bugs Devouring Asparagus Shoots: Organic Control

Thousands of pill/sow bugs eating emerging asparagus spears indicate excessive organic matter near crowns. These crustaceans normally decompose debris but turn to tender shoots when populations explode.

Fixes:

• Pull back mulch/soil from crowns; expose to air.
• Dust with wood ash or water with weak lime solution (repels them).
• Apply pyrethrin dust at night only (protects bees); water off in morning.
• Long-term: reduce thick organic layers; use ordinary soil over crowns.
• If persistent, transplant to a cleaner bed.

Asparagus prefers well-drained, moderately rich soil—not a compost pile on top.