I've had problems with them (pillbugs/sowbugs) in the past, mainly during rainy periods in the spring or fall.

Generally, they are opportunistic and will only burrow into a fruit if it splits. But don't always count on it.

I'm a first time tomato grower........Everything was prefect, tomatoes growing beautiful and recently within the last 3 weeks I believe ROLLIE POLLIE bugs have done a number on my tomatoes. I know its not a tomatoe horn worm. I have seen lots of rollie pollies. Like most 1st time gardeners I've believed rollie pollies would not hurt your plants. I'm starting to believe different unless someone has another explaination.

Hi,
What kind of damage is being done? To the fruit? Or the leaves?
This year I am having small holes chewed into the fruit.
The culprit I believe is a small yellow & black bug. THey
chew the fruit, and then it starts to rot. I have sprayed
them with a concoction of dish soap & water. The same
solution I use for Squash bugs.

I try to pick the fruit and use it as soon as possible.
I also rotate crops in the garden yearly hoping to avoid
any bug eggs that may over winter and chew up my garden
the next season.

AS, I do not see what is chewing holes in my tomatoes, it
also may well be grasshoppers, who are extremely bad this
year.

Mary
z 5b KS

Sow bugs are quite opportunistic, true, and are one of nature's garbage collectors. Usually they come along AFTER the initial damage is done by something else - stink bugs tomato fruitworms, grasshoppers, hornworms, blister beetles, etc.

They seem to thrive in the "damp" so if rain isn't the cause, try letting the area dry out a bit and they will depart for better feeding.

Enjoy your tomatoes. ;)

Dave