Woodlice

Woodlice 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. 

You normally find woodlice outside where they can hide during the day in cool, dark and damp places.

Why do they come indoors?

Woodlice come indoors mainly during the winter and early spring. 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 under sink units in kitchens and bathrooms for some days if they have access to food.

Woodlice are harmless and despite their name do not damage wood.

How can I get rid of them?

Seal entry points and remove other potential shelters near the house (for example, flower pots).

Warming up parts of the house where woodlice have been found should help. Apply insecticide to crevices or openings where woodlice may be hiding, or to damp areas that cannot be properly dried.