Pest Control
Pest Control Service - Wood LicePest Control Service - Wood Lice
||Advice To Householders About Woodlice
The adult woodlouse is about 15mm in length, quite flat and slate grey in colour with seven pairs of
legs. Woodlice are not insects but crustaceans.
Distribution & Habitat
Woodlice are usually found in damp areas and they are associated with dead and rotting vegetation and wood. They are often found beneath stones, flowerpots and other similar materials, and within nooks and crannies in the garden providing suitable cover.
There are about thirty-five species of woodlice and they are essentially garden creatures but will on occasions enter houses and buildings in search of protection from the onset of cold weather.
Once indoors they tend to group together mainly at the edges of carpets, floor coverings and under skirting boards. They can also be found in corners and dark places such as kitchen cupboards.
Significance
Some of the species of woodlouse in Britain have horticultural or agricultural significance as they eat and damage plants. Woodlice are classed as casual intruders, posing little threat to goods or property.
Life Cycle
The female produces up to one hundred and fifty eggs, which she contains inside her body in a brood pouch.
Once the eggs have hatched, the young woodlice are released into the environment. They are white in colour, around 2mm in length, and will take up to a year to reach their full size.
Woodlice do not breed indoors, they usually only come inside to protect themselves from cold weather.
Control Methods
Proofing - Cracks and crevices on the outside of the building and around doors and windows should be sealed to prevent woodlice gaining access. These gaps if large should be sealed with strong cement or a mastic seal. Fitting of draught excluders on doors will also help to stop woodlice getting in.
Cleaning - Control of woodlice in a room may be achieved by regular cleaning including vacuuming around floor edges, which should help to remove them. They should not re-appear unless proofing is inadequate.
Outside - Removing accumulations of leaves, weeds, brick, wood and rubble from outside walls and doors will help to remove their hiding places. Plant pots and garden ornaments should preferably be placed well away from the house, but if any are kept close to the house then frequent cleaning underneath and also under doormats is recommended.
Treatment
Ashfield District Council does not offer a service for the treatment of woodlice at domestic premises.
If you think that you may have a problem, please contact us immediately.
You will be advised fully of the costs involved prior to any treatment being undertaken.
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