WOODLOUSE EXTERMINATOR - MONTREAL & SOUTH SHORE
About Woodlice (Oniscus Asellus)
Activity
Woodlice are commonly encountered in both residential and commercial properties, especially in humid areas of Montreal and throughout Quebec. These crustaceans are most active in dark, damp spaces such as basements, bathrooms, and the areas surrounding foundations. Though often unnoticed, they can appear in large numbers, particularly after rainfall or when indoor moisture levels are high.
Behavior
Woodlice are slow-moving and prefer to remain hidden during the day, emerging at night to search for moisture and decaying organic matter. They tend to stay close to the ground and are frequently found under sinks, around leaky pipes, or beneath stored objects where the environment remains cool and damp. Because they avoid light and seek shelter in tight spaces, infestations can grow before becoming obvious.
Diet
Their diet consists primarily of decomposing plant material, mold, and other organic debris. Indoors, they may be drawn to rotting wood, damp cardboard, or forgotten piles of leaves and soil-based materials. While woodlice do not cause direct structural damage, their presence often indicates underlying moisture problems that could support other pests or lead to deterioration of materials.
Size and Appearance
Woodlice are small, oval-shaped crustaceans measuring between 10 and 15 millimeters. Their bodies are segmented and hard-shelled, typically gray or brown in color. They resemble miniature armadillos and can sometimes curl into a ball when disturbed. Despite their modest size, they are often seen in groups, especially in areas with consistent humidity.
Presence in Quebec
These pests are widespread across Quebec and especially common in homes with moisture problems. Properties with poor drainage, water leaks, or excess humidity are more likely to attract them. They are often found in ground-level units, basements, and other structures with limited air circulation.
Indoor Behavior
Indoors, woodlice seek out the dampest locations, often clustering in bathrooms, under appliances, behind baseboards, and around laundry areas. While they do not bite or damage fabric, their presence in living spaces can be unsettling. The conditions that attract them may also support mold growth or attract more destructive pests.
Survival Outdoors
Woodlice are well adapted to surviving outdoors, especially in gardens, mulch beds, and under rocks or wood piles. However, they often move indoors during heavy rains or seasonal changes, seeking stable and moist environments. Cracks in foundations, gaps in doors, and poorly sealed windows can provide easy entry points.
Reproduction
Female woodlice carry their eggs in a pouch on their underside until the young are ready to emerge. A single individual can produce several dozen offspring at once. Given the right conditions, populations can grow steadily, particularly in consistently moist environments.
Common Areas in Montreal
In Montreal homes and buildings, woodlice are frequently encountered in basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and older constructions with porous foundations. They are also common in storage areas that are rarely ventilated and where organic materials are left undisturbed.
Difficulty of Elimination
Getting rid of woodlice involves addressing the root of the problem: moisture. Simply removing the visible insects will not solve the issue if the damp conditions remain. Effective control requires a combination of habitat modification, sealing of entry points, and possibly professional intervention to reduce indoor humidity and eliminate breeding grounds.
Signs of a Woodlouse Infestation
Sudden appearance of woodlice in damp indoor areas
One of the first signs that woodlice have invaded your space is spotting them in damp, low-light areas like basements, laundry rooms, or near plumbing fixtures. If you begin seeing these small, greyish creatures crawling along baseboards or hiding under objects, it's often a sign that excess moisture is attracting them indoors.
Slow movement in dark, quiet spaces
Woodlice are most active in the dark and tend to avoid well-lit areas. They move slowly and are often seen in corners, behind appliances, or beneath sinks where light and activity are minimal. Because of their discreet behavior, they can remain unnoticed for long periods unless their numbers increase.
Clusters near cracks, leaks, or ground-level storage
They frequently gather in places that offer both moisture and shelter. If you notice them collecting near wall cracks, under cardboard boxes, or around items stored directly on the floor, it may be time to investigate for water damage or hidden leaks.
Constant dampness or indoor condensation
Persistent damp spots, sweating pipes, or a musty smell can signal ideal conditions for woodlice to thrive. These creatures depend on moisture to survive, so spotting them is often an indication that ventilation is poor or that water is accumulating indoors.
Activity after dark or in low-traffic areas
Since woodlice shy away from movement and light, they’re most likely to be seen at night or in undisturbed parts of the house. Their presence in these spaces often points to a hidden moisture issue that needs immediate attention.
Signs of chronic humidity
If you observe peeling paint, warped baseboards, or mildew, these may not just be cosmetic issues—they’re also signs of an environment where woodlice can flourish. In these cases, addressing the humidity is key to stopping the infestation from growing.
Early action helps prevent a larger problem
Although woodlice don’t damage structures or clothing, they can become a recurring nuisance if the root cause isn’t addressed. Reducing humidity, sealing cracks, and removing clutter from damp areas can quickly cut down their numbers. The earlier you respond, the easier it is to prevent a persistent infestation.
Understanding Woodlice
Woodlice are a frequent issue in both homes and commercial spaces throughout Quebec, especially in environments where dampness persists and organic debris accumulates. These moisture-loving creatures tend to gather in shaded, low-traffic areas such as basements, crawl spaces, storage rooms, and spots close to foundations. Often hidden beneath objects or within cracks in floors and walls, woodlice thrive in conditions that go unnoticed for long periods. As their numbers increase, their presence can become overwhelming, particularly when they start to spread from their initial hiding spots into more visible areas. Addressing the root causes—such as excess humidity and access to decaying matter—is essential, as these conditions allow infestations to establish quietly and expand steadily. Professional help is often needed to eliminate the source of the problem and ensure that the environment is no longer suitable for their return.
The Problem with Woodlice Infestations
One of the main challenges with woodlice is their ability to thrive in damp, hidden areas around the home, often going unnoticed until they’ve established a significant presence. These small creatures are drawn to moist environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, and areas near water sources. They hide in cracks, crevices, and under furniture, making it difficult to detect them early. Left untreated, they can multiply rapidly, leaving behind damage to organic materials like wood and paper, and creating an unpleasant environment.
While basic home remedies such as reducing moisture levels or using traps may help control the situation temporarily, they often don't address the full extent of an infestation. Woodlice can hide in difficult-to-reach areas where eggs and larvae might be present. A professional inspection is crucial for identifying these hidden zones and determining the most effective treatment. Once the infestation is located, targeted methods are used to eradicate woodlice, and advice on how to maintain a dry environment to prevent future issues is provided.
Our Approach to Woodlice Control
Woodlice infestations often start quietly, with only a few individuals spotted in damp corners or under furniture, but they can quickly multiply if not effectively controlled. These small creatures are particularly attracted to moist and dark environments such as basements, crawl spaces, and areas with high humidity. What makes them especially troublesome is their ability to hide in cracks and hard-to-reach spaces, where they can multiply unnoticed. In large numbers, woodlice can damage organic materials like wood and paper, making the situation difficult to manage.
To address a woodlice infestation, we begin with a thorough inspection of your home, focusing on areas that are conducive to their development, such as basements, crawl spaces, and areas around pipes and foundations. We look for signs of their presence, such as droppings, carcasses, or traces of moisture. Identifying the source of the infestation is crucial to determine entry points and active areas for the woodlice, which allows us to remove contaminated items and effectively treat the infested zones.
Once the source of the infestation is located, we implement a tailored treatment plan to eliminate woodlice at all stages of their life cycle. Our specialized methods go beyond standard solutions, targeting cracks, crevices, and other hidden areas where woodlice seek refuge. In addition to treatment, we provide practical advice on how to prevent future invasions, such as reducing humidity and improving ventilation in sensitive areas. Our goal is to ensure that your space remains free from woodlice and that your home is protected from any re-infestation.
If you're dealing with Woodlice or have any questions, feel free to call our pest control experts at (438) 543-4691. We're here to take care of the problem quickly and efficiently.
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