Are you seeing long legged spiders in your garage or basement and immediately think it’s a daddy long leg? Well you might be surprised to find out that there are a few spiders that resemble daddy long legs, and it’s important to know the difference in able to fully eliminate them from your home. In this guide we’ll be talking about a cellar spider vs daddy long legs, the differences between each, how to identify them, and finally how to get rid of each of these insects!
Cellar Spider vs Daddy Long Legs – Correct Terminology
Most people use the term daddy long legs for any long legged spider. Although this is partially correct, it’s not the full story. Daddy long legs technically aren’t spiders, they’re arachnids so they’re related to spiders, but they aren’t technically spiders. Daddy long legs aren’t technically spiders because they don’t have separation of their body, and they don’t produce silk webs, so they aren’t true spiders.
On the other hand, cellar spiders are true spiders because they have a separation on their body and produce silk webs.
How To Tell The Difference Between A Daddy Long Leg and Cellar Spider
It’s important to know the difference between a cellar spider and a daddy long leg because it will help you eliminate the infestation and keep them away.
Differences Between Cellar Spiders and Daddy Long Legs:
When trying to identify if you’re dealing with a cellar spider or a daddy long leg, you should focus on the body.
Cellar spiders have long peanut shaped bodies, while daddy long legs typically have much rounder and fatter bodies. Along with this, daddy long legs do not produce webs, so if you’re seeing them in and around webs you’re probably dealing with a cellar spider!
Are Daddy Long Legs or Cellar Spiders Dangerous?
Neither daddy long legs or cellar spiders are dangerous to humans or pets. There is a common myth that daddy long legs are the most venomous spider in the world but their fangs are too short to break the skin.
This myth is false on quite a few counts. Daddy long legs aren’t spiders, they don’t produce venom, and although they can bite humans their bite is very mild and won’t produce any dangerous effects.
If you are worried about dangerous spiders, then check out our guide on black widow spiders and how they can be dangerous to your dogs.
How To Keep Spiders Out Of Your Basement:
If you have a problem with cellar spiders and daddy long legs in your basement, there are several steps you can take to help control and prevent an infestation:
- Cleanliness: Keep your basement clean and clutter-free. Spiders like to hide in dark, secluded areas, so eliminate their potential homes by keeping the area tidy.
- Seal Entrances: Spiders can get in through cracks and crevices in walls, windows, and doors. Sealing these entry points can help keep them out.
- Control Other Insects: Spiders are attracted to areas where they can find food, and other insects are their primary food source. If you can control the insect population in your home, the spiders will have less to eat and will be less likely to move in.
- Natural Repellents: Certain natural substances, like essential oils from plants such as peppermint, tea tree, and lavender, are said to repel spiders. You can try dabbing some oil on cotton balls and placing them around the basement. Some people have even tried windex for spiders.
- Professional Pest Control: If the problem is severe, you might consider hiring a professional pest control service. They can use stronger, more effective treatments and can help identify and seal up entry points you might have missed.
- Dehumidify: Many spiders are attracted to moist environments, so if your basement is damp, using a dehumidifier to dry it out can make it less appealing.
If you’ve tried the above steps or you want to jump straight to eliminating these insects then we recommend using Ms Moffet’s Revenge Spider Killer for best results!
Final Thoughts On Daddy Long Legs vs Cellar Spiders
At first glance these two insects can look very similar, but they actually have quite a few differences!
Thankfully if you’re noticing daddy long legs or cellar spiders in and around your home, they aren’t dangerous to humans or pets. Along with this, both of these insects are pretty easy to eliminate and prevent.
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