Woodlice (Armadillidium vulgare)

Pest Advice for controlling Woodlice

Woodlice are one of the few land crustaceans. They have oval, grey, segmented bodies 10-15mm long, with 14 legs and prominent antennae. Common names include ‘slaters’, ‘sow-bugs’ and ‘pill-bugs’.

There are three species that enter houses from the garden – one of which, the pill woodlouse, rolls up into a tight ball when disturbed.

Woodlice are harmless feeders upon rotten wood or other vegetable matter in cool, damp areas. They typically live underneath stones, clumps of plants, logs, or doormats, from which they may crawl into dark corners of a house.

How to get rid of Woodlice

No treatment is necessary but if they persist put right any dampness, remove infested vegetation and use an insecticidal powder or long-lasting spray around door-thresholds or other points of entry. Amateur use products are available from your local garden centre or hardware store. Just make sure you select a product labelled for control of woodlice.