I know that this is not the scientific name for these little critters, but it's the only name I know them by. First, are they beneficial or harmful to my plants? Or does it depend on the plant? They seem to like munching on my hostas!
Second, if they are harmful, how do I get rid of them?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!
Wendy

They supposedly prefer dead materials (leaves and wood) to living plants, but I've lost lots of cucumber and squash seedlings to them, and they eat their share of strawberries too. I don't think I've ever had them bother ornamentals, though.

Another name I called them is pill bugs. The thing that I have found that will keep them out or an area is to put down a border of "comet" type cleaner. They will not cross it and plants do not seem to mind the cleaner.

Are ducks or chickens out of the question?

Try spraying the area with dishsoap. I used a hose end sprayer and adjusted it so that foam actually came out.