Wood Lice in Compost

[jjat8cvParticipant]

This year I have made what I thought was perfect compost for sowing. However even when sieved it still contains many baby woodlice. Has anyone any suggestions on the best way get rid of them.

[charlesModerator]

The only one I know is less wood in your compost heap, but its a great ingredient so we have to live with some woodlice, I hope there are not too many.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Thank you Charles. There are not that many but I am not sure how they will affect any seeds I sow in the compost. Would it be better to just use a multipurpose compost instead.

[featherlockParticipant]

I too suffer with many woodlice (and slugs!) munching through fruit and veg grown in both my small green house and outside veg garden beds; with the woodlice quickly disappearing into the compost as soon as they notice me! However, their days and numbers should soon be reduced as I intend to overwinter a small number of Quail in the greenhouse and to put my hens and Guinea Fowl to good use by running a ‘Chicken Tractor’ over my compost heaps before applying the compost mulch to beds both inside and out. This should result in happy, well-fed birds and happy, pest-free plants! For further information on these methods, please visit Youtube and view the Pavlovafowl and Justin Rhodes – Abundant Permaculture sites.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Unfortunately keeping poultry is not an option for me but I am sure your “chicken tractors” will be very happy.

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