Will Vinegar Kill Woodlice?

Did you know that a relative of the crab and lobster might be in your home? Surprising as it sounds, woodlice are related to these shelled creatures. But it’s not the sea they love. It’s the old wooden structural elements of your home.

The UK has around 40 woodlice species, some of whom you may find scuttling around your feet when you least expect it.

If you have a home infested with woodlice, you may have read about some natural home remedies like vinegar and found yourself asking, will vinegar kill woodlice?

Read on to find out.

Signs You Have Woodlice In Your House

Woodlice, or pill bugs, aren’t as harmful or dangerous as some creatures lurking in homes. Yet in large numbers, they can become a household pest.

Woodlice like damp and dark environments.

You’re most likely to find them in rotting wood. If you have an older-style property with wooden beams or a home with moisture issues, you’re most at risk from a woodlice problem.

You may also find them in dark areas like basements or hiding inside shoes, boxes, pots, and pans. You’re also likely to see them in corners of rooms with lots of moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Will Vinegar Kill Woodlice?

Vinegar is acidic. It’s that acidic composition that helps manage a problem with woodlice.

It disrupts the normal pH balance for woodlice, drying and desiccating them. Enough vinegar will kill a woodlice population.

Vinegar also offers a second way that it can help manage a woodlice problem.

The pungent smell of vinegar deters woodlice. Thus it can act as a deterrent to repel woodlice from where they usually live. The drying effect and smell help naturally repel a woodlice population.

How to Use Vinegar to Remove Woodlice

You can use cheap vinegar to deal with woodlice. Ideally, go for distilled white vinegar, which you’ll find in most supermarkets. It has good acid levels and won’t stain floors or furnishings.

You’ll need to dilute the vinegar in water before applying it. Look for a clean spray bottle, as it’s the easiest way to dilute and apply the solution. Fill half the bottle with vinegar and the other half with water.

Start applying the solution in areas where you’ve recently seen woodlice. Afterwards, head to likely locations, including any dark or damp corners of the house.

Remember to spray behind large appliances and at the backs of cupboards and drawers. Keep windows open when applying to ventilate the house and reduce odour.

How Frequent Should You Apply Vinegar?

Once you’ve sprayed the house, reapply with another layer of vinegar every two to three days. Repeat this until you go without a woodlouse sighting for at least three days.

Precautions When Using Vinegar

When using vinegar, be mindful of plants, children and pets. Keep your vinegar spray away from indoor plants, as it could damage the leaves and soil. Store the solution spray in a cupboard away from children and pets.

It’s non-toxic but can irritate the eye if sprayed near the face.

A Natural Remedy to Rid Your Home of Woodlice

Woodlice can be troublesome creatures to have around the home. But your solution doesn’t need to be drastic. Will vinegar kill woodlice? The answer is that it will deter them from your home, and the acid may kill them.

For more tips on getting rid of household pests, visit our pest control section here.

Using Professionals

If you’re struggling with pests and want the job done properly always seek the advice of a pest control expert. They’ll be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently as well as provide you with practical advice on ensuring you have a pest-free home.