Let’s Celebrate The Humble Woodlouse

Let’s Celebrate The Humble Woodlouse

This month we would like to talk about woodlice and how amazing they are for your garden. There are 30 species of woodlouse native to the UK and they range in colour from brown to grey and even pink. Although many people refer to them as insects or bugs, woodlice are actually crustaceans which means they are closely related to crabs and shrimps.

Woodlice are amazing at recycling

Finding woodlice in your home is not considered desirable, however if you find them in your garden then it is a good sign that you have created a healthy ecosystem. Woodlice feed on dead and decaying matter which means they are important recyclers in the garden. If you have a garden or allotment compost heap, then you may have come across numerous woodlouse living there feeding off your dead plant matter. You will also find them hiding under rocks or amongst fallen leaves as they love the dark and damp conditions which they provide.

Are woodlice bad for the garden?  

Contrary to popular belief, woodlice do not damage plants so if you see them in your flower beds then you should leave them where they are rather than attempting to remove them. Unlike aphids or blackflies, they will not destroy healthy plants.
Woodlice also provide a vital food source for other creatures such as shrews, toads, centipedes, some spiders and hedgehogs.

Finding woodlice in the home

Woodlice are attracted to damp conditions and can often come into homes by mistake, particularly if you have lots of plants near the entrances around your house. Generally they will either find their own way back out again, or will unfortunately dry out from the warm conditions in your home.

Why do I have woodlice in my house?

Woodlice are attracted to damp conditions, so if you are regularly finding lots of them in your home then it could be a sign of something serious. It is worth checking the flooring around your doorways to make sure there aren’t any large gaps or damp areas which need treating. You should also check your walls to make sure they aren’t showing signs of damp or mould which could be attracting woodlice into your home.

How can I get rid of woodlice in my home?

Most woodlice will leave of their own accord - especially if they find your home too warm. You could remove them individually and place them back outside, or if you find lots of dead woodlice then you could hoover or sweep them up.
In extreme cases, if you have a serious woodlice infestation, then you can kill them with ant powder, but you will need to be careful about applying the powder if you have pets or small children and we would generally only recommend this as a last resort.

Final thoughts

Next time you encounter a woodlouse in your home or garden, we hope you will think differently about these tiny creatures - especially if you have previously destroyed them. Finding woodlice in your garden is a sign that you have created a healthy environment, therefore they should be encouraged and celebrated.

Happy Gardening!