Last Updated on February, 2025
Woodlice invading your home? Don’t worry; getting rid of them is easier than you might think!
Whether you’ve spotted a few or an entire home, I’ve got you covered. From simple DIY natural tricks to commercial chemical techniques, I’ll walk you through the best ways to solve the woodlice problem.
Say goodbye to those unwanted houseguests and reclaim your space hassle-free!
I’ll break down the natural way first.
Quick Summary
- Commercial chemicals such as insecticide sprays, powders, and fumers and foggers can effectively eliminate woodlice infestations.
- Regular cleaning, reducing moisture levels, coffee grounds, citrus peels, cucumber slices, and other natural methods can deter woodlice and prevent infestations.
- Signs of a woodlice infestation include their distinct appearance, preference for dark and damp areas, feeding habits, seasonal presence, and superficial damage.
How to Get Rid of Woodlice Naturally With Home Remedies?

So, how can we get rid of house woodlice in the natural way? Here are the methods.
- Regular Cleaning: It may sound simple, but regular cleaning goes a long way in keeping woodlice away. Focus on areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, and also outside walls, where moisture and food crumbs abound. Vacuuming and sweeping help eliminate hiding spots and potential food sources. Also, keep your outside drains and gutters clear of debris so you can control them at the entry points.
- Coffee Grounds: if you’re a coffee lover, scatter used coffee grounds around areas prone to woodlice infestation, such as damp corners or around plants. The aroma of coffee acts as a natural repellent, discouraging woodlice from sticking around.
- Citrus Peels: don’t throw away those orange or lemon peels just yet! Woodlice detest the strong scent of citrus. Simply place these peels in areas where you’ve spotted woodlice activity, like near doors or window sills. The scent acts as a barrier, keeping them away.
- Moisture Problem: Woodlice live in damp environments, so reducing moisture levels in your home can make it less inviting for them. Fix any plumbing leaks promptly, ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to damp conditions, and consider using dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels.
- Cucumber Slices: Fresh cucumber slices aren’t just for salads/ place them strategically in areas where woodlice tend to gather, like under sinks or ear damp spots. Cucumbers contain natural compounds that repel woodlice, making them an eco-friendly deterrent.
By implementing these natural remedies into your pest control routine, you can effectively deter woodlice species from making themselves in your home.
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How to Get Rid of Woodlice Using Commercial Chemicals?
If you’re dealing with a stubborn woodlice or pest infestation and need a more potent solution, commercial chemicals can be effective. Here’s how to use them safely and effectively.
- Insecticide Sprays: these are among the most common and effective methods for controlling woodlice. Look for insecticide sprays containing potent active ingredients like Permethrin, Tetramethrin, or Cypermethrin. These ingredients swiftly knock down woodlice and leave a residual effect, ensuring long-lasting control. For optimal results, use a combination of a quick knock-down spray followed by a residual spray to tackle the infestation.
- Insecticidal Powders: powders are another option for killing woodlice. Simply sprinkle the insecticidal powder in areas where woodlice are prevalent, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Powders are particularly advisable in areas near electrical outlets or in kitchens where sprays may not be suitable.
- Chemical Sprays: similar to insecticide sprays, chemical sprays offer a fast and effective way to eliminate woodlice. They work quickly to eradicate the pests upon contact, making them a popular choice for rapid control.
- Fumers And Foggers: these specialised products are ideal for treating hard-to-reach areas where woodlice may be hiding. The fumes and mists released by fumers and foggers penetrate even the smallest crevices, ensuring thorough coverage and swift eradication of the infestation.
NOTE: When using commercial chemicals to combat woodlice, it’s crucial to prioritise safety. Always read the product labels, including the ingredients and warnings, to understand any potential risks.
Some chemicals might be harmful to humans and pets, so take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation during application.
By following these guidelines and using commercial chemicals responsibly, you can effectively eliminate woodlice from your home and prevent future infestations.
Signs of a Woodlice Infestation
Woodlice might not be a harmful pest because it leaves humans and living plants alone. But finding them in your home can be tricky. Understanding the signs of a woodlice infestation is key to addressing the issue effectively, so let’s find them out.
- Distinct Appearance: Woodlices have smooth, shiny bodies with segmented legs that may appear hairy and typically yellowish in colour.
- Preference for Dark and Damp Areas: Woodlice thrive in dark, damp environments. Check areas like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks for signs of woodlice activity.
- Feeding Habits: Woodlice feed on decaying or rotting natural matter, wood, papers, and other decomposable materials, leaving behind evidence of their feeding activity.
- Seasonal Presence: Woodlice are more likely to invade homes during the summer months due to the dry conditions, seeking shelter from the heat.
- SuperficialDamage: Look out for damage to wooden floors, furniture and other wooden objects, indicating woodlice presence.
By recognising these signs, you can identify a woodlice infestation early and take appropriate measures to address it.
Ways to Prevent Woodlice
Preventing woodlice from invading your home is straightforward with these simple tips:
- Maintain Cleanliness and Warmth: Regularly clean your home to deter pests like woodlice. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and promptly address them. Additionally, ensure your home is warm, as woodlice are less likely to thrive in warmer environments.
- Address Dampness: Check for dampness, mould, or decay on walls and other surfaces. Moisture attracts woodlice, so keep your house dry by promptly fixing any leaks.
- Manage Indoor Plants: Woodlice are attracted to plants and rotting leaves. Keep indoor plants away from your house, and regularly trim them to prevent overgrowth. Dispose of garden waste promptly to minimise potential hiding spots for woodlice.
By following these preventive measures, you can get rid of woodlice in future and maintain a woodlice-free home environment.
Conclusion
So there you have it! With these simple strategies, you can tackle woodlice infestations head-on and keep them away from your place.
Remember, early detection and proactive prevention are key to maintaining a woodlice-free home. Now go ahead, implement these tips, and enjoy a pest-free environment once again!