Eliminating woodlice: A guide
Gardening Companions: The Beneficial Role of Woodlice
Woodlice, often misunderstood creatures, play a crucial role in our gardens. These small, armoured crustaceans, around 15mm long, are not insects but are closely related to crabs and lobsters. In the UK alone, there are approximately 30 species of woodlice that call our gardens home [1].
Woodlice are primarily beneficial for gardens, aiding the decomposition process by feeding on decaying plant matter. This activity contributes to nutrient recycling and improves soil health, making them natural cleaners that break down dead plant material into humus [2].
These beneficial creatures also support the food chain for wildlife such as toads, shrews, and ground beetles, thereby helping maintain biodiversity [3]. It's worth noting that woodlice do not cause damage to plants, as they feed on rotting wood, grass cuttings, fallen leaves, and compost [1].
In the garden, managing woodlice effectively involves habitat modification rather than direct removal. Since they thrive in damp, sheltered environments like under containers, large rocks, compost heaps, and piles of dead wood or leaves, reducing these habitat features can limit woodlice populations if necessary [1][4][5]. However, removing such habitats may also impact other beneficial wildlife such as ladybirds and ground beetles, so it should be done with caution.
Woodlice are generally considered harmless and beneficial, so controlling them is usually not required unless they become a nuisance indoors or in large numbers. Indoors, their presence often indicates a damp problem, so addressing the damp or condensation is the best course of action [1].
To identify woodlice in your garden, simply lift containers or large rocks and stones, and look underneath them. You may also notice their excrement, small black and brown pellets known as frass, on rotten wood [2].
In summary, woodlice are beneficial garden inhabitants that aid decomposition, recycle nutrients, improve soil health, support the food chain for wildlife, and are harmless to humans and plants. By understanding their role and managing their habitats, we can ensure a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem.
References: [1] RSPB. (2020). Woodlice. Available at: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/wildlife-gardening/what-to-do-with/woodlice/ [2] Woodland Trust. (2021). Woodlice. Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-with-children/naturedetectives/explore/minibeasts/woodlice/ [3] Buglife. (2021). Woodlice. Available at: https://www.buglife.org.uk/our-work/our-species/woodlice [4] The Wildlife Trusts. (2021). Woodlice. Available at: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/nature-explored/minibeasts/woodlice [5] Froglife. (2021). Woodlice. Available at: https://froglife.org/resources/species-information/woodlice/
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