Finding woodlice crawling around your home can be unsettling, even if you know they’re not harmful. These little grey creatures often appear near damp corners, under furniture, or close to sinks and bathtubs. While woodlice (also known as pill bugs or slater bugs) are mostly outdoor creatures, certain indoor conditions can invite them inside. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of woodlice in the house or what repels them, you’re not alone.
This guide will help you understand why woodlice appear indoors, how to rid woodlice from your home, and how to prevent future infestations using safe and natural methods.
What Are Woodlice and What Brings Them Into Home?
Woodlice are small land crustaceans, related more closely to crabs and shrimp than to insects. They are usually dark grey or brown in color, with segmented, armored bodies and fourteen legs. Each woodlouse has seven pairs of legs and two short antennae. They usually measure around one to one and a half centimeters in length and are most active at night.
Outdoors, they’re helpful creatures that break down organic matter such as dead plants and fallen leaves. Indoors, however, their presence usually signals a moisture issue. Woodlice rely on damp, humid environments to survive, so if they are entering your home, it means they are likely finding the same conditions inside that they would outside under stones, logs, or compost piles.
Why Do Woodlice Come Indoors?
There are a few common reasons you might find woodlice inside. The most frequent cause is excess moisture. This can come from leaky plumbing, poorly ventilated bathrooms, rising damp in walls, or condensation in basements and kitchens. Woodlice are not looking to build nests or breed inside your home. They are simply searching for food and shelter.
Woodlice are drawn to places with high humidity and rotting organic material. Mold, mildew, wet wood, and decaying paper products will all attract these critters. So will any leftover plant matter, old cardboard boxes, or neglected food waste tucked away behind cupboards or furniture.
Are Woodlice Dangerous?
Fortunately, woodlice are not dangerous. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They are also not known to infest or damage structures the way termites or carpenter ants do. However, they can sometimes nibble on damp wood, paper, or decaying food, and their presence is often a sign of a more serious moisture problem that may lead to mold or structural damage over time.
How to Tell if You Have a Woodlice Problem
If you’re seeing one or two woodlice occasionally, there’s probably no need to worry. But if you start seeing them frequently, especially in daylight or in different parts of the house, it may indicate a developing infestation or a hidden moisture issue. You may also find dead woodlice near windows or doors, which could mean they entered but couldn’t survive due to dry indoor air.
What Do Woodlice Hate?
To effectively deter woodlice, it helps to understand what conditions they dislike. Woodlice hate dry environments because they lose moisture quickly and rely on humidity to survive. They also dislike strong smells and light. Natural scents such as citrus, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil tend to drive them away. Bright, clean, and dry spaces are the most effective deterrents.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Woodlice in Your Home
There are several safe and simple ways to eliminate woodlice without using harsh chemicals. Below are some proven, chemical-free ways to tackle the problem:
1. Keep Your Home Dry and Well Ventilated
This is the most important step. Use dehumidifiers in rooms that tend to collect moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Make sure air vents are unblocked, and try to keep windows open when possible to allow proper air circulation. Fix any leaks under sinks or behind walls, and check for condensation on windows and pipes.
2. Clean Frequently and Remove Organic Debris
Vacuum floors, corners, and behind furniture regularly. Clean up any food crumbs, spilled liquids, or decaying materials. If you have houseplants, check that the soil is not overly damp and that dead leaves are removed.
3. Seal Entry Points
Woodlice can get inside through tiny gaps in your home’s structure. Inspect the outside of your home and seal up any cracks in the walls, foundation, or around windows and doors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to cover entry points, and make sure doors close tightly.
5. Use Natural Repellents
Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus can be diluted in water and sprayed in areas where woodlice have been seen. Not only do these oils smell great, but they are also known to repel various types of pests, including woodlice.
6. Try Simple Homemade Traps
You can trap woodlice using basic items from your kitchen. Roll up a damp newspaper and place it in an area where you’ve seen activity. The woodlice will be drawn to the moisture and shelter. In the morning, simply dispose of the paper. A cut potato with the inside scooped out and left overnight can work in a similar way.
7. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a safe, natural powder derived from ancient fossilized algae. When insects crawl across it, it dehydrates their exoskeletons. Sprinkle it lightly around baseboards, in wall gaps, or near windows to help kill off any woodlice that wander in.
How to Prevent Woodlice from Returning
Once you’ve gotten rid of woodlice, keeping them out requires a few long-term changes. First, manage moisture by checking your home’s insulation, improving ventilation, and using dehumidifiers in trouble spots. Be vigilant about cleanliness and avoid letting organic materials accumulate indoors.
Outside the house, keep garden debris, firewood, and compost heaps away from your foundation. Trim back plants that brush against your walls or windows, and make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning well to prevent water pooling near your home.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve taken all the steps above and you are still finding woodlice in your home regularly, especially on upper floors or in dry areas, you might be dealing with a hidden issue that needs expert attention. A professional pest control service can locate the source of the problem, treat the affected areas safely, and help you develop a long-term prevention strategy.
Final Thoughts
Woodlice don’t pose a direct threat, but their appearance indoors is a signal that something in your environment needs attention. Whether it’s a hidden leak, poor ventilation, or a pile of forgotten cardboard in the basement, woodlice will find it and make themselves at home.
By focusing on moisture control, cleanliness, and sealing entry points, I hope you learned how to get rid of woodlice naturally and prevent them from coming back. A home that’s dry, clean, and well-maintained is your best defense.
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FAQ’s about Woodlice
How many legs does a woodlouse have?
Each woodlouse has fourteen legs, arranged in seven pairs across its segmented body.
What do woodlice eat?
They feed mainly on decaying organic matter such as wood, leaves, paper, and mold. Indoors, they might nibble on damp wood, fungus, or food scraps.
Are woodlice insects?
No, woodlice are crustaceans. They are more closely related to crabs and shrimp than to insects like ants or beetles.
How long do woodlice live?
Most woodlice live between two and four years under suitable conditions.
Do woodlice lay eggs in the house?
It’s rare. Woodlice prefer to breed outdoors, although a damp and undisturbed environment inside might encourage them to stay longer.