Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs spiders

Category:

Actual Size: 0.6 mm to 23 mm

Characteristics: Brown, grey or black with thin legs; has a small round body without a ‘waist’.

Legs: 8

Habitat: During summer, they are commonly found on the shady sides of buildings, underneath eaves, and crawl spaces. In fall, will gather in large groups on the sides of buildings in a wiggling mass.

Habits:

  • Not true spiders and unable to spin webs.
  • Will emit a strange smelling odor that will repel potential predators.
  • The legs of the harvestman fall off easily and continue to twitch to ward off predators.


Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spider Identification

 

What Do Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spiders Look Like?

Harvestmen, commonly known as Daddy Longlegs are often confused with spiders, but harvestmen are not true spiders. They are easily recognizable by their extremely long, thin legs relative to their small body size. They have a rounded, compact body without the distinct separation between abdomen and cephalothorax found in true spiders. Their coloration ranges from brown to gray.

Signs of a Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spider Infestation

While harvestmen are solitary creatures, signs of an infestation might include the frequent sighting of these creatures in and around your home, particularly in damp, shaded areas.

How to Get Rid of Daddy Longlegs Spiders?

To get rid of daddy longlegs spiders, it’s essential to eliminate their preferred habitats by thoroughly cleaning up leaf litter, logs, and other debris around your property. Reducing moisture is key; use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to maintain a dry environment. Consider installing fine mesh screens on vents and windows to prevent their entry and promote better airflow. Additionally, regularly inspect your landscaping and trim back overgrown vegetation that can provide shelter.

If your daddy longleg infestation persists, contact Bug Out for professional help.

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites

 

Where Do Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spiders Live?

Harvestmen prefer damp, sheltered environments. They are commonly found under logs, rocks, and in leaf litter. Inside homes, they may be found in basements or cellars where humidity is higher.

Diet of a Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spider

Harvestmen are scavengers, primarily feeding on decaying plant and animal matter. They also consume small insects and are important in controlling pest populations.

Life Cycle of a Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spider

Harvestmen have a simple life cycle compared to spiders. Females lay eggs in moist soil or under rocks. The eggs hatch into young that resemble small adults and undergo several molts as they grow.

Harvestmen  / Daddy Longlegs Spider Bites

Harvestmen do not bite, or produce venom and pose no danger to humans. However, if harvestmen feel threatened or are disturbed, they will emit a strange smelling odor that repels potential predators.

 

Are Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spider Dangerous?

Harvestmen are harmless to humans and pets. They do not possess venom glands or fangs and pose no threat to human health.

Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spider Prevention Tips

Preventing harvestmen involves maintaining a dry environment, both inside and outside the home. Ensure good ventilation in basements and crawl spaces and seal any cracks or gaps to prevent their entry.

FAQs

 

Are Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs the Same as Spiders?

While often mistaken for spiders, harvestmen are a different order of arachnids. They lack a segmented body and venom glands. 

See our common spiders species to help you identify spiders.

Can Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Infest Homes?

Harvestmen infestations in homes are rare. They may enter buildings in search of shelter but do not breed or live indoors for extended periods.

What do Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spiders Do?

Harvestmen, also known as Daddy Long Legs, are scavengers, feeding mostly on decaying plant and animal matter.

What is the Difference Between Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs and Cellar Spiders?

Harvestmen and cellar spiders differ in body structure and behavior. Harvestmen have a rounded body and long legs, while cellar spiders have a distinctive small body and long, delicate legs.

See our common spiders species to help you identify which spider you are dealing with.

Do Harvestmen Eat Spider Mites?

Harvestmen may consume spider mites as part of their diet. While they primarily feed on small insects and organic matter, they can contribute to controlling spider mite populations in certain environments.

How Do Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spiders Hunt?

Harvestmen don’t hunt like typical spiders. They scavenge for dead or decaying matter and may occasionally eat small live prey.