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.
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.
How to Get Rid of Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Spiders?
To reduce harvestmen numbers, eliminate their preferred habitats by cleaning up leaf litter, logs, and other debris. Reducing moisture in and around your home can also deter them. For long term spider prevention, contact our professional spider removal services.
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.
Need help with Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs spiders control?
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.
