Question
Hi, Mr. DeAngelis,

I'm a novice gardener and was wondering if pill bugs pose a threat to vegetables, herbs, berries, and the like.  I don't mind pill bugs since they eat decaying matter from what I know, but I've noticed that several of them have been lying under some of my potted herbs.  I know slugs have been eating my leaves and I've been using trial and error methods to deter them (persistent little buggers), but could pill bugs be eating my leaves?

Answer
Sean,

Pillbugs (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/sow_bug.html for picture) are generally not considered to be garden pests. They may damage very tender new grow in seedings but not healthy, growing plants. Good luck with your garden. Also, see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/slugs.html for least-toxic ways of managing slugs and snails in gardens.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com