Woodlice

Woodlice are crustaceans related to slaters, shrimps, lobsters and crabs. They are the only crustaceans that have properly invaded land, without the need to return to water in order to breed, although they tend to be restricted to fairly damp places. Woodlice are quite harmless and in fact beneficial in their proper habitat by promoting the breakdown of dead vegetation and organic matter in the soil. They normally live outdoors but shun the light by hiding under stones, logs, loose bark, leaf-litter etc., or in hollow tree-trunks - almost anywhere that is fairly damp. However, they frequently come indoors and may take up residence inside buildings, surviving in any dark, damp places they can find. When large numbers of woodlice are found indoors, perhaps clustered in wall crevices or under skirting boards etc., it is always worth checking for excessive dampness in these places - just in case there is a structural problem with the damp proofing or damp course. Woodlice are easily controlled with insecticides or silica dust.

Where are they found?

Woodlice live in damp places and their natural habitat is woodlands, hedgrows and gardens.

They are occasional visiters into our houses and this is usually because there is a build-up of their preferred habitat just outside the house, eg. a log pile, leaves or other debris.

When they are found in large numbers within buildings, it is always because there is a damp problem, usually caused by a fault in the structure of the building, eg. roof tiles, valley gutters or other drains.