Woodlice, also known as pill bugs, are harmless pests. They come in a variety of species in the UK but the most common being an oval-shaped crustacean. They are easy to identify due to their distinctive horizontal ridges and brown, grey coloured exterior.
Woodlice in small numbers don’t usually cause issues, however a large infestation can cause damage to gardens and homes. A woodlice infestation that ends up indoors becomes a more alarming problem and knowing how to get rid of woodlice effectively is key.
Woodlice rarely make their way into people’s homes as often the environment isn’t right for them. They seek refuge in dark, damp and wet areas, often found outdoors.
Woodlice entering your home is usually by overflowing shrubbery building up around the perimeter of your home. As this builds your house essentially becomes an “extension” of their habitat. If there are cracks, crevices and other entry points accessible Woodlice will gradually begin to enter.
There are three main products that can be used to get rid of woodlice. sprays, powders and smoke bombs. Sprays and powders often needed to be used together to target visible woodlice and cracks and crevices where these insects may reside.
Our woodlice powder can be applied directly onto floors, walls and inside those troublesome cracks and crevices where woodlice may be hiding. This powder also acts a barrier against future infestations.
Our woodlice killer spray can be used to directly target and eliminate visible woodlice for instant treatment.
If you are looking to treat a large area or entire room then a woodlice smoke bomb can be used. Once diffused these fumes release into the target area killing any woodlice instantly for a rapid knockdown effect. Smoke bombs are also great for “flushing” out woodlice that may be hiding in restricted or inaccessible areas.
Whilst applying products will help with any immediate problem we recommend identifying and sealing up obvious entry points, removing decaying wood that may be around your home and ensuring your home has no damp areas to prevent future infestations.
In order to prevent woodlice entering your home we advise keeping your garden as tidy as possible, ensuring areas don’t overgrow around your home. Start by stripping back the garden, remove dense shrubbery and plants, clear areas of decaying wood and move log piles away from your home.
It’s also important to ensure there’s no moist or damp areas in the living spaces of your home. Woodlice are attracted to moist, damp areas and may be drawn to homes higher in humidity. Ensuring any obvious points of entry are restricted will reduce the chances of an infestation. Common entry points to check include;
Spotting a woodlice infestation is fairly difficult as they aren’t overbearing creatures. In fact you may only become aware of an issue as you start to notice more and more woodlice in and around your home.
Aside from seeing visible woodlice, the main sign of a problem will be superficial damage to wooden objects including furniture, wooden flooring, beams etc.
Woodlice are not particularly harmful outdoors but can be if they end up indoors. They may occasionally nibble young seedlings, but they are generally more interested in dead leaves and decaying material.
It can be argued their presence in the garden is probably more beneficial than harmful. However a woodlice infestation indoors can cause significant damage to wooden objects including furniture, wooden floors and more.
Woodlice are usually found outside, where they tend to live in damp areas, cool conditions of vegetation, the bark of rotting wood and the underside of rocks and slabs.
Woodlice are often referred to as the ‘recyclers’ of the insect world due to their desire to feed on anything rotten. The main diet of pill bugs is to feed on rotting wood and mildew.
Garden woodlice usually prefer to feed on decomposing plants rather than healthy ones. However, there are instances where they can damage softer plants e.g. seedlings and fruit plant.
