Woodlice are usually found in damp areas such as under containers, in compost heaps or beneath piles of plant debris. Also known as pill bugs and slaters, woodlice are around 15mm long with an outer shell or exoskeleton. There are around 30 species of woodlice in the UK. Related to crabs and lobsters, woodlice are land-based crustaceans.
Signs of woodlice
It’s easy to find out if you have woodlice in your garden by lifting containers or large rocks and stones, and looking underneath them. You may also notice their excrement on rotten wood, which is small black and brown pellets known as frass. Sometimes you might notice their moulted exoskeletons, which woodlice shed as they grow.
Are woodlice good for the garden?
Woodlice benefit gardens by feeding on decaying plant matter and helping with decomposition. They are also a source of food for wildlife such as toads, shrews and ground beetles.
How to control woodlice in the garden
There’s no need to control woodlice in the garden as they are not a pest. But if you want to reduce populations of woodlice in your garden, the best option would be to remove the types of habitat they look for, such as large rocks, containers, decaying matter such as compost heaps and log and leaf piles. Bear in mind that removing these types of habitat will also reduce numbers of other beneficial wildlife in your garden, such as ladybirds and ground beetles.
How to control woodlice indoors
It’s possible for woodlice to come into the house from the garden but it’s unlikely unless there are damp areas for them to thrive in. Common causes of woodlice coming indoors include blocked gutters, which provide decaying matter for them to feed on, and damp areas from condensation or leaks. If you find woodlice inside it’s likely that you have a damp problem so the best thing to do is address the damp or condensation. Woodlice will not be attracted to live in a house that is dry and warm.
Check for any gaps or cracks in the wall or under doors.
Collect up any woodlice found indoors and move them back outdoors to a damp area away from the house.
Are woodlice under my pots causing damage
Woodlice shelter underneath pots because it’s damp and dark. They don’t cause damage because woodlice feed on dead plant material such as rotten wood, grass cuttings, fallen leaves and compost. Finding a large group of woodlice underneath your containers isn’t a sign of a pest infestation – woodlice gather in groups to prevent themselves drying out. They require cool, damp places to shelter during the day.
Should I be concerned about woodlice?
There’s no need to be concerned about woodlice. They are harmless to humans and plants, and beneficial to have in the garden. It’s normal to have lots of woodlice in the garden.
Frequently asked questions
Do woodlice eat plants?
Woodlice eat decaying plants. They rarely eat healthy plants but may occasionally feed on soft growth such as seedlings or fruit like strawberries. They are, however, far more likely to feed on rotting fruit, such as windfall apples.
Is a woodlouse an insect?
A woodlouse is not classified as an insect. It is a terrestrial crustacean and therefore more closely related to crabs than insects.
