Woodlice in the Garden – Pests or Helpful Clean-Up Crew?

Woodlice are one of those garden creatures that spark divided opinions. Some gardeners panic at the sight of them on seedlings, while others see them as vital little recyclers. The truth lies somewhere in between. Let’s explore what woodlice are, how to spot signs of nibbling, and whether you really need to worry about them in your garden.

What Are Woodlice?

Woodlice are small, grey, armoured crustaceans that thrive in damp, dark places. You’ll often find them hiding under pots, mulch, or rotting wood. Unlike many garden pests, they don’t usually target living plants. Instead, they help break down decaying organic matter, turning it into nutrients your soil can use.

Symptoms of Woodlice Damage

Although woodlice are rarely serious pests, they can sometimes cause minor issues, especially in damp or cluttered gardens. Signs of trouble include:

• Nibble marks on soft stems, ripe fruit, or delicate seedlings
  
• Cosmetic surface damage rather than deep wounds
  
• Presence of woodlice clustered under pots, trays, or mulch near plants

More often than not, the damage is minor and more about aesthetics than plant health.

Are Woodlice Friends or Foes?

For most gardeners, woodlice are more beneficial than harmful. They:

• Speed up composting by breaking down organic matter
  
• Help recycle nutrients into the soil
  
• Provide food for natural predators like birds and frogs

It’s only when numbers soar, or conditions are overly damp, that they might start nibbling where they shouldn’t.

Natural Ways to Manage Woodlice

If you’re noticing woodlice damage, you don’t need chemicals. Instead, try these simple, natural steps:

Improve Airflow & Reduce Dampness

Woodlice thrive in moist conditions. Lifting pots, spacing plants, and reducing soggy mulch helps keep them in check.

Remove Hiding Spots

Check under pots, trays, and garden debris. Relocating woodlice to your compost heap gives them a job that benefits your garden instead.

Protect Vulnerable Seedlings

Use cloches, raised trays, or barriers to shield young plants until they’re established. Once they toughen up, woodlice usually leave them alone.

Encourage Predators

Birds, frogs, and hedgehogs all love a crunchy woodlouse snack. Making your garden wildlife-friendly balances their numbers naturally.

Woodlice in the garden are more often allies than enemies. While they may nibble the odd seedling or strawberry, their real role is in recycling organic matter and improving soil health. If you manage damp conditions and protect tender young plants, you can happily share your garden with these mini composting machines.