Pillbugs in Raised Beds: Harmless, But Cabbage Worms Need Bt

Brown, 100-legged, curl-up bugs in new compost—pillbugs (roly-polies). They eat decaying matter, rarely harm plants.

Pillbug Control (If Desired)

Spray soil with 1 tbsp lemon ammonia + 1 tbsp dish soap per gallon water. Or pyrethrin/rotenone as last resort.

Cabbage Worms & Loopers on Broccoli/Cabbage

Bt (Dipel, MVP) — dust or spray when larvae small. Non-toxic, highly effective. Reapply after rain.

Key Point

Pillbugs = nuisance only. Cabbage worms = real damage. Use Bt for the latter.