Homemade wood lice in the bathroom: 8 ways to get rid of it
Almost every adult at least once in his life has encountered unwanted insects in his home. The variety of species of these unpleasant neighbors is quite large and they take root perfectly both in private houses and in apartments. One of the most inconspicuous, but at the same time creepy-looking, are wood lice.
Content
Who are wood lice and how do they get into the house
Despite popular belief, woodlice These are not insects, but crustaceans. Their small oblong body is covered with a dense chitinous shell, which is most often painted white, brown or gray.
In a human dwelling, wood lice usually make their way through ventilation shafts and sewers. Also, these unwanted guests can be brought along with the soil for indoor plants.
Reasons for the appearance of wood lice in the house
The main reason for the penetration of these animals into the house is comfortable conditions and food supply. Woodlice are almost omnivorous and not picky about food. Their diet at home may consist of:
- wet paper;
- small lumps of earth;
- fungi and mold formed on various surfaces;
- spoiled fruits and vegetables;
- bread crumbs and other small food scraps.
The favorite habitats of these pests are the bathroom and the area under the sink in the kitchen.
In these areas, excess moisture most often appears, which, in fact, attracts wood lice. Causes of high humidity in the house can be:
- irregular cleaning of premises;
- faulty plumbing;
- problems with the ventilation system.
How to get rid of wood lice in the bathroom
The appearance of a small number of wood lice in the house does not pose any danger to humans. But, given the secretive, nocturnal lifestyle of these animals, their numbers can quietly and imperceptibly increase so much that getting rid of them will not be easy at all.
Chemical preparations for the fight against wood lice
Common insecticides used to control cockroaches and ants can easily deal with wood lice. Some drugs have proven themselves best.
Folk recipes against wood lice
For opponents of the use of chemicals, there are many proven and effective folk recipes. Most often, the following substances are used to combat wood lice.
Preparations | Application |
---|---|
Boric acid | This substance is just as effective against cockroaches as it is against wood lice. To treat the premises, you can dilute an alcoholic solution of boric acid with water or sprinkle powder in places where pests accumulate. |
Tobacco, salt or red pepper | Woodlice do not like pungent odors and pronounced tastes. To drive away pests, it is enough to decompose the above products in their habitats. |
Wet brooms and raw potatoes | Instead of driving wood lice away, you can collect them all in one place using bait. For this, wet brooms or potato tubers cut in half are suitable. Baits are laid out in places of accumulation, then quickly and carefully put them together with pests in a plastic bag and discarded. |
Chlorine | Chlorine treatment also effectively eliminates the problem of wood lice in the bathroom. It is important to remember that when working with this substance, it is imperative to use a protective mask and rubber gloves. After a few hours, all treated surfaces should be washed with clean water and the room ventilated. |
Prevention of wood lice in the bathroom
Dealing with such uninvited guests as wood lice is not always easy. In order not to have to deal with various pests in the house, it is enough to follow a few useful tips and recommendations for preventing their occurrence:
- regular ventilation of the room;
- elimination of excess moisture;
- installation of a fine mesh on the ventilation openings;
- elimination of leaks;
- sealing cracks and holes with silicone sealant.
Conclusion
The appearance of wood lice in the house causes disgust and irritation in most people, although in fact these animals cannot be called dangerous pests. Woodlice are not aggressive, do not bite people and are not carriers of infectious diseases. Most often, the appearance of these small inhabitants indicates that the house has serious problems with ventilation and piping.
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