Facts About Daddy Long Legs
Daddy long legs are also known as cellar spiders.
The daddy long legs is a creature familiar to many people. Also referred to as cellar spiders, daddy long legs are often confused with harvestmen, who have the same common name. Harvestmen, although related, are not actually spiders.
While both creatures look similar, the harvestman has one body segment, two eyes, and eight legs. Unlike true spiders, harvestmen cannot produce silk and are never found in webs. You’ll find this variety under logs and other organic matter, but they are not commonly seen by humans unless they are intentionally sought out.
Daddy Long Legs Bites
The myth about cellar spiders (as well as harvestmen) is that they are the most poisonous animal in the world but can’t bite because their fangs are too short. This is completely untrue.
Harvestmen do not produce venom, so they can’t be a danger to humans. The cellar spider, while it carries venom, is not known to bite or be dangerous to people.
Testing has been done on mice to test any lethality but has not returned any positive results to support this myth.
No matter which arachnid you run into, there’s no need to worry.
Daddy Long Legs Infestation
You’ll find these spiders in any heated environment throughout the year.
Females will lay eggs in groups of 25 to 60 and will wrap them in a thin layer of silk. The female will hold onto and protect the eggs as she hangs from her web. Once the eggs hatch, it takes up to a year for them to mature.
In ideal conditions, they can live for at least another two years.
Spiders are predators and will feed off of living prey. Any venom they produce will paralyze small insects and mites. This liquefies their prey, allowing the spider to ingest it.
The daddy long legs spider can be found all over the home. They often hide in basements hence the common name “cellar spider”, but you can also find them in warehouses, garages, caves, and other dark areas where they won’t be disturbed.
Types of Daddy Long Legs
Daddy Long Legs Identification
Cellar spiders have small, tan or gray bodies that measure 1/16 to 5/16 inch in length. They have eight long and skinny legs that measure about almost 2 inches in length.
They typically have eight eyes, although some species have six.
Daddy Long Legs in the House & the Garden
The cellar spider isn’t a threat to humans, so control and management are not usually necessary. However, if the thought of spiders being in your home freaks you out, seal any cracks in the home that may serve as entry points, install soft yellow lights that won’t attract the pest, and seal loose items in plastic bags.
Dust and vacuum your home on a regular basis to remove any webs or eggs that may be present. Outside, you can hose down any structures that may be housing the spider. You shouldn’t need to apply any chemicals to get rid of the cellar spider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Daddy Long Legs Spiders Poisonous?
Daddy long legs are not known to bite people. While these arachnids do have venom that they use to paralyze prey, it has not been proved that this venom has any negative effect on humans.
Should I Hire a Professional to Help Manage a Daddy Long Legs Spider Infestation?
A pest management professional has the education, equipment, and skills necessary to effectively address a cellar spider problem.
Finding and treating the cellar spiders can be challenging, especially if they are spread throughout the property.
A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the cellar spider infestation.
