Slater is the popular name used in Scotland for the woodlouse. There are several different species that live in our gardens and these little creatures are easily recognised. They are normally grey or a greyish brown with a distinctive hard segmented body and can be up to half an inch (12mm) in length.

Woodlice enjoy cool, moist, shady conditions and if you find them in the home it may just point to a dampness problem. They tend to be active at night and hide away during the daylight hours.

Slaters are not considered to be a serious threat to our plants since their main food supply is known to be dead organic matter. Having said this, they can sometimes feed on seedlings - they will eat them off at soil level or leave irregular holes on the foliage.

Plants that have softer tissues are also susceptible to the occasional nibble but most mature plants are unlikely to suffer serious damage unless the population of woodlice is extremely high.

Larger numbers, for example, will be found in overgrown neglected gardens and they can be particularly troublesome in old wooden greenhouses or cold frames.

Definitely one of the best ways to keep slaters under control is by practising good hygiene. For example, don't leave decaying plant debris or dirty pots in the greenhouse as these are ideal shelters and breeding sites and since seedlings are the main area of concernit is also a good idea to lift your seed trays and pots occasionally to see if any are lurking underneath.