Woodlouse Control - How to Get Rid of Woodlice

Introduction

Woodlice, while harmless to human beings, can cause some serious damage to households – furniture and furnishings included. It is a good idea indeed to work towards eliminating these pests as quickly as possible. Normally, damp spots attract woodlice. Woodlice look like a tremendously downsized armadillo and they have an exoskeleton, which they shed very often.

Some Information about Woodlice

Woodlice belong to the order Isopoda and one of the most common types is the Armadillidium or Pill Woodlouse. The Common Woodlouse, or Oniscus is easily found. Typically, black or brown in colour, it can be seen by the naked eye. The exoskeleton is divided into segments and the woodlice have up to 14 legs. They can even grow up to 15mm in length and subsist on leaves and rotting wood. Woodlice can make their way into almost all parts of the house, kitchens included.

Eliminating Woodlice

The best thing a homeowner can do, in cases of less severe infestation, is to simply sweep them up and put them back outside, at a safe distance away from home. Pesticide sprays are also extremely effective in such cases, of which products can be purchased from Pest Control Supplies. If the woodlice are making their nests behind skirting boards or other specific places, then a residual pesticide, for example Protector C should be sprayed directly on the area. Bug powders, for example Agrodust Silicone Dust are also very effective in dry areas. This powder can be sprinkled in a few places, which will result in the insects crawling through them after which they will die. They can then be simply swept out of the home.

One of the most effective ways of getting rid of woodlice is through the use of insecticide sprays. There are plenty of sprays that can help control the population of woodlice, both natural and man-made formulas are availlable.

The spaces between and beneath kitchen fixtures need special attention too. Drips and leaks can create damp spots. Not only do the drips have to be fixed but also the damp spots should be dried out completely as well. Sealant is an effective method to prevent entry into any cracks in the woodwork in the kitchen and even in the walls.

Preventing Woodlice

It is easy enough to prevent the entry of woodlice into the house. Since these bugs love dark and damp places, it would be best to remove such places from the home. Plugging gaps around doors and windows and paying special attention to ventilation spots also helps in preventing woodlice from invading the house. Bathrooms may be one of their favourite locations, since woodlice can come up through pipelines. A bathroom can give them the cool and damp place that is essential to their survival.

Another way to prevent woodlice from entering the house is to remove things like garbage bins and piles of decaying leaves and disposing them off to a safe distance from the house. Woodlice thrive on vegetable and organic matter and when these are removed from the areas around the house, they cannot find their way into the home either.

Another good idea is the cleaning up of the gutters in the house. They should be clear of blockages and must be draining effectively. In cases where the gutters are not clear, the accumulated debris will make ideal homes for woodlice. Similarly, it is useful to pay attention to the foundation of a house as well. Sometimes there are cracks in the foundation, which can be conducive for a woodlouse to set up residence. Filling such cracks with sealant or caulking will keep woodlice away.

Precautions

Most bugs can be eliminated with specific bug sprays. A general precaution to be followed is to cover eyes, nose and mouth while handling the spray or insecticide powder. It is important not to touch the products with bare hands or fingers and wash hands thoroughly after using these sprays. Protective equipment, such asface masks, gloves and goggles are available from Pest Control Supplies. While applying such powders and sprays, it is also recommended to keep children away from the area. Other pets of the house should also be prevented from accessing the sprayed or treated locations in the house until dry.

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