Woodlice, unlike many other crustaceans, live on land rather than in water, but they can only survive in moist conditions. They live mainly on decaying vegetable matter, dead insects, fungi, and occasionally on the leaves and roots of young plants. (Woodlice are also known as pill-bugs or sow-bugs.)
Where do woodlice come from? >>
Why do they come indoors? >>
Are woodlice harmful? >>
How can I get rid of them? >>
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You normally find woodlice outside where they can hide during the day in cool, dark and damp places - under stones and flower pots, in crevices, amongst dead and rotting vegetation etc.
Woodlice come indoors mainly during the winter and early spring, usually searching for protection from the onset of cold weather. They do not come indoors to breed, but there may be a colony of woodlice near an entrance to the house.
Once woodlice find their way indoors, particularly in warm dry rooms, they will die from water loss within a day or so. They may survive, however, under sink units in kitchens and bathrooms for some days, or even longer, particularly if they have access to food debris.
Woodlice are harmless, and despite their name, do not damage wood. As described above, a small amount of harm may be caused to young foliage. If disturbed, woodlice are particularly known to curl up into a ball.
Remember, for your own safety, follow manufacturers' instructions when using insecticides