PEST NAME :  WOODLICE (Class: Crustacea, Order Isopoda. Oniscus spp)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR : 15mm approx. Slate grey and flattened. Can roll into ball. Segmented body with 7 pairs of legs.

BIOLOGY :  150 eggs carried in the females pouch. White coloured young hatch and are 2mm long. Series of moults until full size in approximately 12 months. First two young stages have 6 pairs of legs. Once generation per annum normal.

PREFERRED FOODS :  Will eat plant material, like decaying wood and rotting vegetation.

HABITAT :  Throughout UK. Will enter buildings looking for harbourage. Will desiccate quickly without damp environments. Cracks and crevices and door frames if poorly fitted will form a suitable harbourage.

They will enter via fan housings and can be transported into food warehouses on pallets stored long term, especially if damp and old.