Daddy Long Leg Spiders

Spider Control Services

Miche Pest Control is a family owned and operated pest control company that provides residential and commercial pest control services for spiders, including daddy long leg spiders, in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Our expert spider exterminators get rid of daddy long leg spider infestations fast, and use preventative methods to keep daddy long leg spiders from coming back after they've been eliminated. Miche Pest Control has a 4.9 star rating and over 1,000 reviews online - click the button below to get started, or give us a call today!

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Daddy Long Legs Spiders, AKA Harvestmen

Daddy Longlegs spiders, also known as harvestmen, are arachnids that are found in a variety of habitats around the world. These insects are known for their long, thin legs and small bodies. Despite their common name and similarity in appearance to spiders, Daddy Longlegs are not true spiders and are actually more closely related to scorpions. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, behavior, and habitat of Daddy Longlegs, as well as some of the myths and misunderstandings surrounding these creatures.

Physical Characteristics Of Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Longlegs have small, round bodies that are typically less than half an inch in diameter. They have two main body segments: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax, which is the front part of the body, is covered in a hard exoskeleton and contains the legs, eyes, and mouthparts. The abdomen, which is the rear part of the body, is soft and unprotected.

The most distinctive feature of Daddy Longlegs is their long, thin legs. These legs can be up to ten times longer than the body of the spider and are used for sensing their surroundings and for movement. Daddy Longlegs also have a pair of simple eyes that are used to detect light and dark, but they do not have the advanced vision of true spiders.

Behavior And Habitat Of Daddy Long Leg Spiders

Daddy Longlegs are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. They are most commonly found in moist, humid environments and are often seen near bodies of water. Daddy Longlegs are not good climbers and are usually found on the ground or in low vegetation.

Unlike true spiders, Daddy Longlegs do not spin webs to catch their prey. Instead, they use their long legs to sense vibrations and to locate insects, which they then capture with their mouthparts. Daddy Longlegs are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of insects, including flies, beetles, and mites.

Daddy Longlegs are not aggressive and do not bite humans. They do not have venom glands or fangs, so they are completely harmless to people.

Myth And Misunderstanding About Daddy Long Legs

Despite their harmless nature, Daddy Longlegs have a reputation for being venomous and dangerous. This myth is likely due to their similarity in appearance to true spiders and to the fact that they are often found in close proximity to humans. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Daddy Longlegs are venomous or pose any threat to humans.

Daddy Longlegs are fascinating creatures that are often misunderstood and maligned. While they may resemble spiders, they are actually more closely related to scorpions and do not pose any threat to humans. With their long, thin legs and small bodies, Daddy Longlegs are an interesting and important part of the ecosystem.

Daddy Long Legs In DC, MD & VA

Daddy long legs look very similar to spiders, but daddy long legs are not spiders. Learning about these creatures is the best way to keep your home free of these leggy pests. Use our pest guide to learn what attracts daddy long legs and how best to keep these pest out of your Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia home.

What are daddy long legs?

We identify daddy long legs by their extremely long thin legs that extend from their oval body. Like spiders, daddy long legs have two body segments and fang-like mouthparts they use to hold their prey. Daddy long legs cannot spin webs and do not produce venom.

Daddy long legs are also regularly referred to as harvestman spiders. While they are very spider-like, they aren't true spiders. However, they do display the spider-like behavior of feeding on a variety of insects and are beneficial by providing natural pest control.

Are daddy long legs dangerous?

Daddy long legs are definitely more of a nuisance than a danger. These leggy pests don't produce venom, and their fangs are too short to bite through our skin. These pests often gather in groups, taking over indoor and outdoor spaces. Though these pests aren't dangerous, they indicate that you may be dealing with a widespread pest problem on your property. Like other predators, daddy long legs prefer to hang out in places where they have easy access to their prey.

Why do I have a daddy long legs problem?

The summer and fall seasons provide daddy long legs with plenty of insect prey to keep their numbers high. More often than not, our yards are places where they can easily hunt their insect prey and keep their bellies full.

Daddy long legs are most problematic in areas with high moisture. Overwatered gardens, leaky pipes, and poorly working gutters provide the moisture that attracts these pests. If conditions outside become too dry or there is a lack of prey, daddy long legs will migrate indoors. Once inside, if environmental conditions are right, daddy long legs will make themselves right at home, and convincing them to leave will be difficult!

Where will I find daddy long legs?

In our homes, daddy long legs will migrate to areas that will allow them easy access to their insect prey and sources of moisture. Kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, basements, and crawl spaces are typical gathering spots.

In order to enter your home, daddy long legs will take advantage of small openings in its exterior. Cracks in the foundation, torn screens, gaps around windows, vents, and spaces around light fixtures are common entry points.

Places homeowners regularly spot daddy long legs include the corners of showers, around lights, in boxes, around windows, or in other quiet storage areas like cabinets and closets.

How do I get rid of daddy long legs?

If you are tired of coming face to face with daddy long legs in your home, the professionals at Miche Pest Control are here to help. Our thorough inspections and home pest control services offer the pest protection necessary to remove daddy long legs and keep them from returning.

When it comes to pests, we always recommend being proactive. Our quarterly pest control services will ensure pests will no longer feel at home inside your DC, MD, or VA house throughout the year. Please call today to learn more about our effective residential and commercial pest control options in DC, MD, or VA!

How can I prevent daddy long legs in the future?

Here are some helpful home pest control tips to stop your house from being overrun by daddy long legs:

Prune vegetation back away from the exterior of your home.
Make sure your home's windows and doors have intact screens and weatherstripping.
Seal cracks in your foundation, exterior walls, and roof line.
Place screens over vents, drains, and chimneys.
If you spot daddy long legs or their webs in your home, use a vacuum to remove them.

For more information about maintaining a home free of daddy long legs and other pests, please call Miche Pest Control today!

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