Woodlice (Oniscidae)

The primary targets for woodlice include seedling crops, young shoots of cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy greens. They are particularly destructive to delicate plant tissues. Additionally, strawberries and other low-hanging fruits are susceptible to damage when they come into contact with damp soil surfaces.

The biology of woodlice is fundamentally tied to high humidity, as they respire using gills. Females carry their eggs in a brood pouch, and nymphs emerge looking like miniature adults. They thrive in dark, damp environments such as piles of decaying organic matter, mulch, and under pots, where they await the cover of darkness to feed.

Infestation damage manifests as irregular ragged holes along the margins of leaves or hollowed-out sections on roots and stems. Because they are nocturnal, growers may not realize they are the cause of the problem until significant damage has occurred. Their feeding activity can also create entry points for fungal diseases, leading to plant rot.

Effective management and control strategies include:

• Reducing soil and surface moisture by improving greenhouse ventilation.
• Eliminating hiding spots by removing debris, boards, and old mulch.
• Using chemical baits specifically formulated for land crustaceans if populations exceed thresholds.
• Applying dry, coarse mulch to create a hostile environment for movement.
• Ensuring proper soil drainage to discourage the establishment of nesting sites.