How to get rid of woodlice? It's simpler than you might think. Natural repellents, DIY traps, and maintaining a dry home are just some of the ways.
Today, we'll cover everything from why woodlice are invading your home and the signs of woodlice infestation to home remedies and preventative tips to keep your space woodlice-free.
If you need extra help, Temecula's pest management professionals, the LOCAL Bug Guy, are here to assist. Keep reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways
Woodlice are small crustaceans attracted to damp, dark environments and decaying organic matter.
Natural remedies like citrus peels, coffee grounds, and essential oils can effectively repel woodlice.
Persistent woodlice problems may require professional pest control services for long-term solutions.
What Are Woodlice?
Woodlice are small, oval-shaped crustaceans related to lobsters and shrimp. Typically 13mm to 15mm long and greyish in color with a segmented exoskeleton, these creatures are often called pill bugs due to their ability to roll into a ball when threatened.
While woodlice perform an important duty in natural ecosystems by feeding on rotting natural matter such as decaying wood and plant debris, they can become a nuisance indoors, especially in damp conditions.
Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, manca, juvenile, and adult. Females lay eggs in a brood pouch, hatching into mancae that resemble small adults but lack the last pair of legs. As they grow, they molt several times before reaching maturity.
Why Are Woodlice in Your House?
These pests thrive in moist environments, making basements, bathrooms, and kitchens ideal for them. Moisture problems such as water leaks and poor ventilation create perfect habitats for woodlice, encouraging infestations.
Cracks in walls and gaps around windows and doors serve as entry points, allowing these pests easy access to your home. Once inside, they seek out damp wood and other moist areas, leading to a persistent woodlice problem.
Woodlice feed on a variety of organic matter. Indoors, they are attracted to damp wood and mold. Outdoors, their diet includes rotting leaves, decaying wood, dead plant matter, and even animal droppings.
Signs of a Woodlice Infestation
Woodlice infestations can primarily cause cosmetic damage to your home, affecting wood and plants. While these pests are not harmful to humans, their presence can indicate an underlying moisture problem that needs addressing.
House woodlice may eat away at rotting wood, wooden floors, and other wooden objects, leaving superficial damage. They may also nibble on living plants in your garden, further contributing to the problem.
Here are some common signs of a woodlice infestation:
Sightings in upper areas: Finding woodlice in upper areas of the home, such as attics or higher floors, can indicate an infestation.
Superficial damage to wooden objects: Look for minor damage on wooden furniture and floors. House woodlice feed on decaying matter, often causing noticeable wear on wooden surfaces.
Noticeable smell of ammonia: A strong, unpleasant smell of ammonia can be a sign of a significant woodlice infestation. This odor results from their waste and can be a reliable indicator of their presence.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Woodlice
If you’re dealing with a woodlice infestation, there are several natural methods you can use to address the problem. These approaches are safe, effective, and easy to implement.
Use citrus peels: Place orange or lemon peels in affected areas to repel woodlice. The strong citrus scent is unpleasant to them, making it an effective natural deterrent. Place the peels near entry points and damp areas to keep these pests at bay.
Spread coffee grounds: Distribute coffee grounds around prone areas to deter woodlice. The texture and smell of coffee grounds create an inhospitable environment for them. Sprinkle the grounds in basements, near outside walls, and other damp areas.
Place cucumber slices: Put fresh cucumber slices where woodlice are present. The natural compounds in cucumbers help deter woodlice, making them a simple yet effective method to keep these pests away from your home.
Set up a damp newspaper trap: Roll up a damp newspaper and leave it out overnight. Woodlice will gather inside the moist, dark paper. In the morning, simply dispose of the newspaper with the woodlice trapped inside to reduce their numbers.
Use a potato trap: Place a cut potato in infested areas. Woodlice are attracted to the moisture and starch in potatoes. Check the potato trap regularly and remove any woodlice that have gathered.
Spray peppermint oil: Apply diluted peppermint oil around affected areas to repel woodlice. The strong scent of peppermint is unpleasant to them and acts as a natural barrier. Reapply the spray regularly for the best results.
Use lavender oil: Spray lavender oil mixed with water to deter woodlice naturally. The calming scent for humans is a strong repellent for these pests. Use a spray bottle to apply the mixture around entry points and damp areas.
Apply tea tree oil: Use tea tree oil as a natural repellent by spraying it in woodlice-prone areas. Its strong antiseptic properties make it an effective deterrent. Mix a few drops with water and apply to areas where woodlice are commonly found.
Regular cleaning: Keep basements, bathrooms, and kitchens clean to prevent damp areas where woodlice thrive. Regularly vacuum and mop floors to remove any moisture and potential food sources.
Fix leaks: Address plumbing issues promptly to avoid creating damp conditions. Regularly inspect pipes, faucets, and drainage systems to ensure they are in good working order.
Use dehumidifiers: Control indoor humidity to make your home less attractive to woodlice. Dehumidifiers help maintain a dry environment, especially in areas prone to dampness.
Clear debris: Remove decaying leaves and plant matter from around the house to reduce woodlice habitats. Regularly clean up garden waste and keep your yard tidy to discourage woodlice from settling near your home.
Maintain gutters: Ensure gutters and outside drains are clear to prevent water buildup and dampness. Regularly clean gutters to avoid blockages that can lead to water pooling and creating ideal conditions for woodlice.
Seal entry points: Block cracks and gaps in walls and ventilation bricks to keep woodlice from entering your home. Inspect your home's exterior and seal any potential entry points with caulk or weatherstripping.
When to Call in Professionals
While DIY methods can handle minor woodlice infestations, severe cases require professional help. If you continue to find pill bugs despite your efforts, or if persistent problems indicate larger moisture issues like a hidden water leak, it's time to seek expert assistance.
Local pest control services offer targeted treatments to rid your house of harmful pests like woodlice. They ensure long-term prevention by addressing the root causes of the infestation, providing peace of mind, and protecting your home and furniture from further damage.
Why Choose the LOCAL Bug Guy?
Dealing with a persistent pest infestation? From woodlice in damp areas to insects invading your space, the LOCAL Bug Guy is here to help.
We know how frustrating it is to try to rid your home of these unwelcome species and the damage they can cause to your garden and home. Our team specializes in handling common pests like ants, spiders, and woodlice, providing effective, long-term solutions.
Our personalized service offers quick, local assistance with a personal touch. We focus on your specific pest problems and deliver reliable results. Don’t let pests disrupt your life any longer—call the LOCAL Bug Guy today for a friendly, trustworthy pest control experience.
Summary
Implementing effective home remedies can keep your home woodlice-free. Regular cleaning, fixing leaks, and using natural repellents like citrus peels, coffee grounds, and essential oils help manage these pests.
Maintaining gutters clear and sealing entry points will prevent woodlice from finding their way into your house. These measures protect your home and garden from damage caused by these bugs.
For persistent woodlice problems or if other harmful insects keep infesting your space, it's time to seek professional help. Our team in Temecula provides targeted treatments and long-term solutions to keep your house pest-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes woodlice in the house?
Woodlice enter homes seeking moist environments, often due to water leaks, poor ventilation, or damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Cracks in walls, gaps around windows, and doors provide entry points for these pests.
What are woodlice attracted to?
Woodlice are attracted to damp, dark environments and decaying organic matter. They feed on rotting wood, dead plant matter, mold, and sometimes even animal droppings. This makes them common in areas with high moisture and organic debris.
How do you get rid of woodlice permanently?
To get rid of woodlice permanently, address moisture issues by fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and using dehumidifiers. Clear organic debris, seal entry points, and use natural repellents like citrus peels, coffee grounds, and essential oils to keep them away.
For severe infestations, seek professional pest control services from the LOCAL Bug Guy.
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