Identification
Cellar spiders, commonly known as “daddy long legs,” have small, elongated bodies measuring about 1/4 to 3/8 inches in length. Their most distinctive feature is their extremely long, thin legs, which can extend up to 2 inches. They are pale yellow, light brown, or gray in color, with eight eyes arranged in two clusters.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Cellar spiders undergo incomplete metamorphosis, developing from egg to spiderling to adult. Females carry egg sacs in their mouthparts until the eggs hatch, which takes about two to three weeks. Spiderlings stay in the web until they disperse. Adults can live for one to two years.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Cellar spiders are known for their long, delicate webs, which they build in corners and undisturbed areas. Unlike other spiders, they do not consume their old webs but instead reinforce them. They feed on small insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and other household pests. When disturbed, they vibrate rapidly in their webs as a defense mechanism.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Cellar spiders prefer dark, sheltered environments, including:
- Basements and cellars
- Attics and crawl spaces
- Garages and sheds
- Under eaves, in ceiling corners, and around window frames
- Behind furniture and in storage areas
Threats & Danger
Cellar spiders are harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite unless provoked, and their venom poses no medical threat. They are considered beneficial as they help control other household pests.
Prevention
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations
- Reduce clutter in basements, attics, and storage areas
- Regularly clean and dust ceiling corners and wall crevices
- Install dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in basements
- Use yellow outdoor lighting to decrease insect attraction
Signs of Infestation
- Presence of irregular, tangled webs in corners and ceilings
- Sightings of long-legged spiders hanging upside down in webs
- Accumulation of dead insects in webbing
- Increased spider activity in dark, damp areas
- Webs appearing in undisturbed rooms or storage areas
How to Get Rid of It
- Use a vacuum to remove spiders and webs from corners and ceilings
- Apply insecticides or natural repellents in high-activity areas
- Reduce insect populations to eliminate their food source
- Keep basements, garages, and storage areas well-ventilated
- Contact a professional pest control service for large infestations