What Are Woodlice?: Signs Indoors and How to Remove Them
by Allison Kirschbaum | November 12, 2025 | Blog
Have you ever seen small grey creatures crawling around your bathroom or hiding in the damp corners of your home? These little crustaceans are called woodlice, and while they might look a bit strange, they’re more interesting than scary.
Despite their creepy-crawly reputation, woodlice aren’t pests in the usual sense. They don’t bite, they don’t sting, and they won’t chew through your furniture. Instead, they thrive on moisture and decaying matter, which makes them both helpful outdoors and a bit of a nuisance indoors.
So, why do they sometimes appear in our kitchens, basements, and bathrooms? And what does their presence really say about the condition of your home?
In this blog, we’ll explore what woodlice are, why they prefer damp spaces, whether they pose a danger, and the steps you can take to keep them out for good.
What Are Woodlice?
Woodlice are often mistaken for insects or bugs, but they’re actually terrestrial crustaceans, which means they’re more closely related to crabs and lobsters than to ants or beetles. They are one of the few crustaceans that have adapted to live entirely on land.
These little creatures have a segmented, oval-shaped body, covered in a hard shell that gives them their “armoured” look. They have 7 pairs of legs and usually appear in shades of grey or brown, which helps them blend into dark and damp places. Some species can even curl up into a ball when they feel threatened.
The two most common types of woodlice you’ll see around homes and gardens are:
- Oniscus asellus (often called the “common woodlouse”): It is frequently found under stones, rotting wood, or in damp garden soil, and is recognized as one of the most widespread species around homes.
- Porcellio scaber (commonly called the “rough woodlouse”): It is known for its rough, bumpy exoskeleton and preference for cool, moist, and shaded areas, and it is commonly found under logs, stones, in gardens, and even in cellars.
Outdoors, woodlice actually do us a favour. They act as natural cleaners, breaking down dead plants and other decaying matter and returning nutrients to the soil. While they can feel like an unwanted guest indoors, outside, they’re an important part of the ecosystem.
Why Do Woodlice Invade Damp Homes?
Woodlice rely on moisture to survive. Unlike insects, their bodies can easily dry out, so they’re always searching for damp, dark places that help them stay alive. Outdoors, this usually means hiding under stones, rotting logs, or piles of leaves. Indoors, however, the same conditions can be found in places like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms.
They often enter homes by accident, slipping through cracks in walls, gaps around doors and windows, or even through air vents. If you’re seeing a lot of woodlice inside, it’s usually a sign that your home has an underlying damp problem, such as leaking pipes, poor ventilation, or even blocked gutters that cause water to pool near the house.
In that sense, woodlice are like tiny messengers, letting you know your home may be holding more moisture than it should.
Are Woodlice Dangerous?
The good news is that woodlice are not harmful to people, pets, or homes. They don’t bite, they don’t sting, and they don’t spread any diseases, so there’s no need to panic if you spot a few crawling across your floor.
In some cases, woodlice may cause minor damage if conditions are very damp. They might nibble on wallpaper, soft wood, cardboard, or paper that has already been weakened by moisture. However, they do not eat healthy wood or cause the kind of structural problems that pests like termites can.
Signs of a Woodlice Problem
Woodlice don’t usually go unnoticed for long, and their presence indoors often indicates a larger moisture issue. Here are the most common signs that there is a woodlice problem in your house:
- Frequent sightings indoors: Spotting woodlice now and then is normal, but if you see them regularly, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements, it suggests a bigger moisture issue.
- Clusters in one area: If they’re gathering along the bottom of walls, behind skirting boards, or in the corners of rooms, it usually means there’s a nearby damp area they’re using as shelter.
- Damage to damp materials: In very moist areas, woodlice may feed on softened wallpaper, cardboard, or decaying wood, leaving behind small nibbled patches.
- Regular nighttime sightings: Woodlice are nocturnal. If you repeatedly see them crawling across floors at night, especially in damp rooms, it suggests an ongoing infestation rather than the odd visitor.
6 Ways to Remove and Prevent Woodlice from Your Home
If you notice woodlice frequently appearing inside your home, it’s a sign that you need to address both these pests and the damp conditions that attract them. Here are 6 ways to remove and prevent woodlice from entering your home:
- Vacuum visible woodlice: For a quick fix, simply vacuum any woodlice you see and empty the bag or container right away. This won’t stop them from coming back, but it helps with instant removal.
- Wipe and clean damp surfaces: Woodlice gather where moisture collects. After removing them, wipe down damp walls, floors, or corners with a dry cloth to make those areas less inviting.
- Use DIY traps: Place a rolled-up damp newspaper or half a potato near problem areas overnight. In the morning, you can remove and dispose of the trapped woodlice.
- Remove hiding spots indoors: Clear away cardboard boxes, damp firewood, or soggy plant trays where woodlice may be hiding. Fewer shelters mean fewer places for them to gather.
- Dispose of infested items: If you find woodlice hiding in damp cardboard, rotting wood, or other damaged materials indoors, throw these items away to prevent them from spreading.
- Call a pest control professional: If woodlice keep coming back despite your efforts, it may point to a bigger damp problem hidden in the structure of your home. A professional pest control service can check for leaks, drainage issues, or other causes and apply targeted treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woodlice
Still curious about woodlice? These FAQs will give you quick answers to the most common questions.
Do woodlice eat clothes or food?
No, woodlice do not eat clothes or human food. Their diet mainly consists of damp, decaying plant matter such as leaves and wood. If they’re near clothes or food, it’s because they’re exploring or seeking moisture, not because they want to feed on them.
Can woodlice climb walls?
Yes, woodlice can climb walls if the surface is rough enough. Materials like brick, stone, or plaster give them enough grip to move upwards. That’s why you might sometimes spot them higher on damp walls or ceilings while they search for shelter.
Do woodlice come out in winter?
Woodlice are less active in winter, but they don’t completely disappear. Cold weather slows them down, but if your home is warm and damp inside, they may remain active all year round, especially in basements or bathrooms.
Can woodlice infestations spread quickly?
No, woodlice don’t multiply as quickly as insects, but their numbers can accumulate over time. Female woodlice carry eggs in a pouch and release young that grow gradually. If conditions stay damp, you may notice more of them, which is why controlling moisture is key to stopping an infestation.
Take Action Against Woodlice Before They Spread with Pest Control Experts
Woodlice may look non-threatening, but a steady stream of them indoors is a clear sign of a moisture problem in your home. They gather in damp corners, basements, and bathrooms, and if left unchecked, their numbers can build up quickly. The longer you ignore the problem, the more likely it is to turn into a full-on infestation later. Pest Control Experts connect you with the trusted local pest control services trained to handle woodlice and other common household pests.
Contact Pest Control Experts today for a complimentary quote. Don’t wait until pests take over your space. Kick them out and take back the comfort of your home.
