Woodlice

A Woodlouse is originated from suborder Oniscidea, it spreads in autumn, winter and spring, because of dry weather, it is less dominant in summer season, there are three types of wood lice: Armadillidium Vulgare , Pill Wood Louse  and Oniscus asellus,  it is known that woodlice could  transmit diseases to human, it may cause damage to furniture, it enters your house to search of moisture and safe shelter.

When house owners discover Woodlouse, it may be a sign of a moisture problem, woodlice tend to gather in dark places, it becomes active at night, it causes a nuisance when presents in large numbers, when infection increases, it is difficult to control, through this article we will know how to identify woodlice, life cycle, feeding habits, how to get rid of them.

Woodlouse identification

Woodlice is an oval insect, 15 mm in length, it has a gray or brown color, prominent sensing pods, it has wood scales on the outer structure, it also has about 14 legs.

Woodlouse food

Woodlice eats rotten wood, fungi, it also eats plant and organic materials, it has a great impact on natural environmental balance, because it eats dead leaves, fallen fruits animal waste.

Woodlouse life cycle 

Woodlice reproduce in organic materials and rotten wood, females maintain eggs on the lower side of its body, it lays eggs and wait till hatching, and woodlice can produce one or two generations per year, it lives in cold, moisture places, we may find them in rocks and near wooden materials, adults may live up to two years.

How woodlice get inside your home?

You can find wood lice in your garden under rocks and stones, it lives in cold and dark places, under special conditions it enters your home, it also lives in humid environments, so they do not live inside the house for a long time, but if you find it inside your house it is a sign of a moisture problem, it may be difficult for you to determine the locations of the infestation, so you should look for moisture places.

Woodlouse Damages 

Woodlice has no harm effects to humans, but they can cause some damage to wooden floors such as furniture, we you find a wood damage it may be a sign of infestation, woodlice tend to aggregate in the dark and humid areas, inside your garden, it may cause a lot of harm due to eating plants or crops.

How to get rid of Woodlouse at your home?

• In cases of excessive moisture, you have to locate the moisture location, identify and treat the problem either by ventilation or using a dehumidifier
• Vacuuming the house to get rid of woodlice.
• Solve fungi problems, block potential entry areas, clean plumbing and sewage pipes and tackling problems or water leaks.
• Before pruning the trees, let the garden dry first.
• Get rid of dead leaves, insects around the garden walls.
• Trim the plants around and near the house to maintain good ventilation for the home and to prevent insects from spreading.
• Check the wood materials before you enter it to the house
• Seal gaps in the house or walls to prevent wood lice
• use Diatomaceous dust in high humidity places, corners where it acts as a natural insecticide and helps to get rid of wood lice and other insects.
• Clean the roof pipes to get rid of excessive moisture.
• Get rid of damaged furniture and wet carpets to reduce the attraction of woodlice to your home.
• Use Electronic pulses to get rid of wood lice, it sends silent pulses that kill woodlice.
• Use chemicals repellent and pesticides and clean the area to protect your household and pets.
• Contact Pest Control Company Jeddah to help you take effective steps to get rid of wood lice.