How to get rid of Woodlice

Woodlice, also known as pill bugs are harmless pests. They come in a variety of species in the UK but the most common one is an oval-shaped crustacean. They are easy to identify due to their distinctive horizontal ridges and brown / grey coloured exterior.

Pill bugs in small numbers don’t usually cause issues. People dislike them in the gardens if they appear in large numbers, however a more alarming problem is if they end up indoors so knowing how to get rid of woodlice is important.

Where do woodlice live?

Woodlice are usually found outside, where they tend to live in damp areas, cool conditions of vegetation, the bark of rotting wood and the underside of rocks and slabs.

Are woodlice harmful?

Woodlice are not particularly harmful outdoors but can be if they end up indoors. They may occasionally nibble young seedlings, but they are generally more interested in dead leaves and decaying material.

It can be argued their presence in the garden is probably more beneficial than harmful. However a woodlice infestation indoors can cause significant damage to wooden objects including furniture, wooden floors and more.

What do Woodlice eat?

Woodlice are fascinating insects and when it comes to finding out what they eat, their name speaks for itself.

These insects are sometimes referred to as the ‘recyclers’ of the insect world due to their desire to feed on anything rotten.

The main diet of pill bugs is to feed on rotting wood and mildew. This is why woodlice are usually found around logs, wood piles, rocks and other damp areas of the garden.

Garden woodlice usually prefer to feed on decomposing plants rather healthy ones. However, there are instances where they can damage softer plants e.g. seedlings and fruit plants.

What causes woodlice in the house?

Woodlice in the house is usually caused by an overflowing garden that builds up around the perimeter of your home.

To deal with this start by stripping back the garden, remove dense shrubs and plants around your home. We also recommend removing any bark from flower borders and planters, clearing the area of decaying wood or move log piles away from the house.

Simply opening up the outside space and drying the area out may be all it takes to rid yourself of your woodlice problem.

How to prevent woodlice from entering your home

Stop woodlice coming inside your home by filling any obvious points of entry with decorators caulk or a similar product, and spray the outside area with a long lasting residual spray such as Dethlac or Digrain C40 WP woodlice killer.

How to kill visible woodlice

If the woodlice are visible, you can use a spray such as Dethlac directly onto them for instant knockdown results. Alternatively, a woodlice killing powder such as Organ-X can be used indoors and out, but in rainy periods it’s not so effective.

How to to get rid of a woodlice infestation

If you have woodlice in your house, a woodlice smoke bomb is an effective way to treat an area in one swoop. The insecticidal smoke is very good at getting to places you might not think to treat yourself and also areas with restricted access.

Recommended Products

We sell a range of woodlice killer products including woodlice killer sprays, woodlice killer powders and woodlice smoke bombs. Below are some of our handpicked recommendations.

Product 1: Woodlice Control Kit

The woodlice control kit is an all-in-one solution to any woodlice problem and will help you get rid of woodlice effectively around your house. The kit contains four complimentary products, an Insecticidal Spray, Organic Powder, Bellows Duster and Woodlice Smoke Bomb.

Product 2: Dethlac Insecticidal Lacquer

Dethlac Insecticidal Lacquer is one of the best woodlice killers on the market and has existed as a trusted household pest essential for over 50 years. Dethlac can be used both indoors and outdoors which makes it the ideal solution to get rid of woodlice. It has residual properties so remains effective for many weeks.

Product 3: Organ-X Desi Dust

Organ X Killing Powder or diatomaceous earth is a naturally mined mineral product which can be puffed into cracks and crevices around the house. It is non-toxic and kills all crawling insects.

Product 4: Rentokil Insectrol

Another long-lasting and very effective spray treatment for woodlice which contains Permethrin. Again has residual properties so keeps on working.

Product 5: Insecto Woodlice Smoke Bombs

Insecto woodlice smokebombs are a very east and effective product to use against woodlice. They can only be used indoors and you must seal of the area you are treating.

Product 6: Digrain C40 WP

Digrain C40 WP woodlice killer is a wettable powder that you dilute with water and apply from a pressure spray gun. It is very effective and is a product that can be used indoors or out and can be sprayed around the perimeter of your house where woodlice are active. Make sure to wear protective equipment when using wettable powders.

DIY Pest Control are the UK’s leading supplier of professional, effective pest control products at an affordable price. We have an expert team on hand ready to help with any questions you may have.