Question
QUESTION: We live near Mtn. Home, Arkansas - north central part of the state.  We recently added compost to our raised garden beds - some brown banded worm-like critters have invaded our beds.  They have about 100 legs but are not hard like wire-worms and curl up tightly when touched.  We squashed some, but there are hundreds of them.  We assume the eggs were in the compost - do you know what they might be and if they may damage our produce.  Right now we have spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, onions, turnips, tomatoes, herbs and radishes up and growing.
Also, how may we get rid of them - we prefer not to use chemicals if possible.  
Thank you.
Dave
ANSWER: Dave, what you are describing are pillbugs. These insects do little damage to plants. They will usually eat decaying matter such as dead plants and grass. What attracts them is heavy mulch or decaying organic matter in the garden beds or lawn.

You can control them by spraying the soil area where they are hiding with 1 tbs. lemon ammonia mixed with 1 tbs. liquid dish soap to one gallon of water. This combination will not harm plants, but destroys insects by attacking their digestive and nervous systems.

As a last resort, you can spray the area with either pyrethrum or rotenone. These are organic insecticides derived from plants, and are non-toxic to humans and pets. They can be purchased separately or as a combined solution at any reputable nursery or garden center, or they can be purchased on-line at:

http://www.gardensalive.com  

I hope this information helps. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.  

Regards,  

Mike


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mike,
Thanks again for the pillbug answer.  Is there a non-chemical way to control cabbage worm and cabbage looper in broccoli and cabbage?  If there is a more natural way we figured you would know.      Thanks, Dave

Answer
Cabbage worm and loopers can be controlled with BT. BT is an organic insecticide which is short for Bacillus Thuringiensis, more commonly sold under the brand names Dipel or MVP. It is a dust that is non-toxic to humans and beneficials but highly effective against caterpillars. cabbage worms, and hornworms. As with pyrethrum and rotenone, you can purchase this product through on-line catalogs such as Gardens Alive or locally at many garden centers.

Have a good weekend.

Mike