If you’ve ever seen a long-legged spider hanging in a web in your basement or a spindly critter crawling around your garage, you might have thought they were the same thing. But cellar spiders and daddy long legs (also known as harvestmen) are two very different creatures.
Let’s break down what makes them unique and why it matters for homeowners dealing with pests.
Key Takeaways
- Daddy long legs and cellar spiders may look alike, but they belong to different arachnid groups with key differences.
- Neither one is dangerous to humans because daddy long legs have no venom, and cellar spiders have weak, harmless venom.
- Cellar spiders may create unwanted webs indoors, while daddy long legs mostly stay outside and rarely cause problems.
- Professional pest control can remove cellar spider infestations by clearing webs, treating hiding spots, and preventing future issues.
CELLAR SPIDER VS. DADDY LONG LEGS
True daddy long legs, or harvestmen, belong to the order Opiliones, making them a completely different type of arachnid than cellar spiders. Unlike harvestmen, cellar spiders are true spiders from the family Pholcidae.
To better understand how these two arachnids compare, here’s a side-by-side breakdown of their key differences:
| Features | Cellar Spider | Daddy Long Legs |
|---|---|---|
| Body Segments | Two (cephalothorax & abdomen) | One fused body |
| Leg Type | Long, thin legs | Long, thin legs |
| Webs | Builds webs for catching prey | Does not build webs |
| Diet | Insects, even venomous spiders | Dead insects, decaying plants |
| Common Locations | Basements, garages, attics, crawl spaces | Under logs, gardens, damp areas |
ARE DADDY LONG LEGS SPIDERS DANGEROUS?
Many people believe that daddy long legs are the most venomous spiders in the world. Others may worry about cellar spiders, especially since they often live in the same spaces as brown recluse and black widow spiders.
The truth? Neither one is dangerous.
Harvestmen aren’t even spiders. They don’t have venom glands or fangs. Meanwhile, cellar spiders do have venom, but it’s weak and harmless should they bite humans.
So, if you spot either of these long-legged house spiders around your home, there’s no need to worry—they’re not a threat to you or your family.
SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT THEM IN YOUR HOME?
Both types of spiders are harmless and even beneficial, as they help control other pests. However, cellar spiders may create unwanted webs in your home, leading some homeowners to seek pest control services.
If you have an infestation of cellar spiders, consider reducing their numbers by:
- Removing cobwebs regularly.
- Using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in basements and crawl spaces.
- Sealing cracks and entry points in your home.
- Seeking professional pest management if the problem persists.
Daddy long leg spiders typically do not gather in large numbers indoors, so they rarely require pest control intervention.
GET RID OF SPIDERS FOR GOOD – CALL THE PROS
While cellar spiders and daddy long legs might look alike, they’re completely different. If you’re seeing too many spiders around your home, we can help.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we don’t just knock down webs—we provide comprehensive spider control services to keep your home spider-free. Our team removes webs, treats common hiding spots like basements and crawl spaces, and applies targeted treatments to prevent future infestations.
Don’t let spiders take over your home. Contact us today for professional pest control services!