Woodlice have taken up residence in my globe artichokes, leaving them hollow and dried out. I have grown them for many years and this is the first time I have had this problem – what I can do?
Woodlice feed on dead or decaying organic matter. They like damp conditions in which to hide by day, mostly coming out to feed at night. Woodlice are a good thing in the compost heap as they help to break things down. I would have thought damage to the plant has been caused by other pests, perhaps slugs or vine weevils, and the woodlice are picking over the leftovers.
Nevertheless, remove dead or dying plant material around the plant. Top-dress the plants with well-rotted farmyard manure or shop-bought compost; whatever you use, make sure it’s well broken down as homemade compost may attract more woodlice. Keep checking no rotting material is around the plant and the woodlice should move off.
Woodlice have a number of predators: shrews, toads, centipedes, some spiders and ground beetles. Encourage them by making a refuge, a beetle bank or adding a pond.
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