How To Get Rid Of Woodlice In Plant Pots

Finding woodlice in your plant pots can be a suprise. They’re usually harmless, but a large population can damage young seedlings and roots. If you’re wondering how to get rid of woodlice in plant pots, you’ve come to the right place. These simple and effective methods will help you reclaim your pots and keep your plants thriving.

Woodlice, also called pill bugs or roly-polies, are actually crustaceans, not insects. They prefer damp, dark places and feed on decaying organic matter. In small numbers, they can be beneficial by helping to break down dead plant material. However, when they run out of their prefered food, they may start nibbling on tender plant stems, roots, and leaves. The goal is to manage their environment so they move out on their own.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from immediate removal to long-term prevention. We’ll start with the quickest physical methods you can use right now.

Physical Removal and Trapping

These techniques are non-toxic and provide instant results. They’re perfect for reducing numbers quickly before moving on to other strategies.

The Potato Trap: Cut a potato in half and hollow out the center. Place the halves face down on the soil surface in the affected pot. Leave it overnight. The woodlice will gather inside to feed. In the morning, carefully collect the trap and dispose of the woodlice far from your garden.
Manual Picking: For a severe infestation, you may need to tip the plant out of its pot. Gently remove the root ball and shake it over a sheet of newspaper or a bucket. You’ll be able to pick out the woodlice by hand. This is also a good chance to check the root health of your plant.
Citrus Peel Traps: Save your orange or grapefruit peels. Place them concave-side down on the soil. Like the potato, woodlice are attracted to the moisture and will congregate underneath. Check and replace the peels daily.

Natural Repellents and Deterrents

Changing the conditions in your pots makes them much less inviting. These methods use common household items to create a barrier woodlice don’t like to cross.

Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): This fine, powdery substance is made from fossilized algae. It’s harmless to humans and pets but lethal to woodlice. The sharp microscopic edges damage their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Lightly dust a ring of DE around the base of the plant stem and on the soil surface. Reapply after watering or rain.
Copper Tape or Wire: Woodlice get a mild electric shock when they touch copper. Adhesive copper tape around the rim of your plant pots creates an effective barrier they won’t cross. This is a great long-term solution for prized container plants.
Cinnamon Powder: A strong natural fungicide and insect repellent, cinnamon can deter woodlice. Sprinkle it generously on the soil surface. It also helps prevent mold, which is a food source for them.
Used Coffee Grounds: Sprinkle dry, used coffee grounds on the soil. The gritty texture and caffeine content are unappealing to woodlice. As a bonus, it adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

Cultural Controls: Changing Their Environment

This is the most effective long-term strategy. By altering the habitat, you solve the problem at its root cause. Woodlice are there because the conditions are perfect for them.

Adjust Your Watering Habits

Overwatering is the number one cause of woodlice problems. Soggy soil creates the damp haven they love. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out completely between waterings. This is healthier for most plants anyway and makes the pot far less hospitable.

Remove Hiding Places

Clear away dead leaves, decaying mulch, and other plant debris from the soil surface in your pots. This eliminates their primary food source and forces them to look elsewhere. Keep the area around your pots clean and free of clutter, old pots, and stacks of wood.

Improve Drainage

Ensure your pots have adequate drainage holes. If they don’t, drill more. Use a well-draining potting mix, not garden soil. You can add perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration and drainage, making the soil less compact and damp.

Elevate Your Pots

Place pot feet, bricks, or stones under your containers. This lifts them off the ground, improving air circulation and drainage from the bottom. It also removes direct contact with soil, which can be a highway for woodlice to climb in.

When to Consider Insecticides

Chemical controls should be a last resort, especially for indoor plants or edible herbs. If you have a persistent, outdoor infestation, you might consider a targeted approach.

Iron Phosphate Baits: These are often sold as slug and snail baits and are generally considered safe for use around pets and wildlife. The iron phosphate is attractive to woodlice and is fatal when ingested.
Pyrethrin-Based Sprays: Derived from chrysanthemum flowers, these natural insecticides can be used as a contact spray. Apply directly to woodlice you see, but avoid spraying open flowers to protect pollinators.

Always read and follow the label instructions carefully for any product you use. Test a small area of the plant first to check for phytotoxicity.

Preventing Future Infestations

Stopping woodlice from coming back is easier than getting rid of them. A few simple habits will keep your pots clear.

Inspect New Plants: Before bringing a new plant home, check the soil surface and underneath the pot for any signs of woodlice or other pests.
Use Clean Pots and Soil: Always use fresh, sterile potting mix when repotting. Clean old pots with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to kill any eggs or leftover pests.
Maintain Plant Health: A strong, healthy plant is more resilient to any pest damage. Provide the right light, food, and water for each specific plant type.
Regular Monitoring: Make it a habit to check your plants weekly. Look under the rims of pots and in the drainage trays. Catching a problem early makes it much simpler to solve.

FAQ: Common Questions About Woodlice in Pots

Are woodlice actually bad for my plants?

In most cases, no. They are primarily decomposers. However, in large numbers or when their normal food is scarce, they can turn to living plant tissue, especially on seedlings or stressed plants.

Will woodlice in my pots spread to my house?

It’s unlikely. Woodlice need constant moisture to survive. They may occasionally wander indoors if it’s very damp outside, but they cannot establish a breeding population in the dry conditions of a typical home. They often die quickly from dessication.

What’s the fastest way to remove woodlice?

The potato or citrus peel trap is the quickest, most effective immediate solution. You’ll see results literally overnight without disturbing your plant’s roots.

Can I just drown them by flooding the pot?

We do not recommend this. Flooding the pot will waterlog the soil, potentially causing root rot and creating the exact damp conditions that attract more woodlice in the future. It’s counterproductive.

Do woodlice bite or carry disease?

No, woodlice do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans or pets. They are considered harmless in that regard, which is why non-chemical methods are prefered for control.

Why do I keep getting woodlice even after I remove them?

This indicates the environmental conditions are still ideal for them. Focus on the cultural controls: reduce watering, improve drainage, and remove debris. Without these changes, they will likely return.

Managing woodlice is really about managing moisture and cleanliness in your container garden. By combining a quick trapping method with changes to your plant care routine, you can effectively solve the problem. Remember, a dry top layer of soil and a tidy pot are your best defences. With these simple steps, your plants can grow without unwanted crustacean guests.