We're Available 24 Hours a Day! - Immediate Response

How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs - Effective Methods That Work

how to get rid of daddy long legs

You may have heard them called daddy long legs, cellar spider, carpenter spider, or even daddy long-leggers. Usually, daddy long legs are extremely weak and hence easily killable.

No matter what you call them, these many-legged creepy crawlies are enough to give anyone the heebie-jeebies! If you're dealing with a daddy long legs infestation in your home, don't panic.

Although they may look scary, these arachnids are more bark than bite. In this blog post, we'll teach you everything you need to know about how to get rid of daddy long legs for good.

What Are Daddy Long Leg Spiders?

daddy long leg spiders

The long legs look like normal Spiders expect enormous legs as their nickname states. They normally have several major body parts, including the abdominal and chest cavity.

The 8 pupils of the sex are placed behind the head. Even some animals only have six depending on their habitat. Daddy long legs measure between 2 x 10mm and their legs are around 50mm.

It has a brownish-grey colour. Besides, it seems like there are obvious options. A few have v-shaped marks on their bodies. The torso links to their eight legs, which extended their legs to varying extents.

What Does Daddy Longlegs Look Like?

Father Long legs look similar to spiders but have extremely long legs. The body is divided into 2 main bodies - the torso and the pelvis.

Eight eyeballs cluster on their back. The species has about six depending upon its place of residence.

The lengths are approximately 2-4 inches, and the legs can reach 50 mm long. It has colors ranging from grey to brown. There were other things too.

Several have chevron markings. The legs of these men are connected by a torso, which extends far beyond the length of the leg.

See Also: How Long Do Spiders Live

Where do Daddy-long-legs Spiders live?

This spider is endemic to the entire globe except for Antarctica. It lives in dry or desert habitats. Although they prefer humid areas with ample nutrient supply, they have been observed in dry and warm climates.

This spider is therefore very adaptable. They can find themselves in most states of America. Daddy long legs primarily dwell in the northern and southern regions of the United States.

In Southern states and during the warmer months of summer, they can overwinter like adult spiders.

What do Daddy-long-legs Spiders eat?

Daddy's Long Leg ingests spider bugs and insects. The spiders are carnivorous. The venom they inject is often paralyzing the prey. Afterward, they begin eating the prey.

Often people take dad long legs at home. They work to control the pests and consume them to their own advantage and like the following animals for their food.

Are they Venomous Spiders?

Yeah. Although Daddy-Longlegs are some of the most poisonous spiders, their fangs aren't long enough to bite humans.

Unless that is true, there is no evidence that they have bite humans. Effective venom kills other insects but is harmless to humans.

What Attracts Daddy Long Legs?

Bigger boys with tall legs like this. Spiders love fluorescent and LED lights. You may just use yellow lights just to keep it out of their room as they prefer not to use warm colored light.

They are often seen near water because they prefer damp and moist rooms in homes. Moreover, these bots can be found near stone piles, wood piles, logs, cans, and waste heaps or near abandoned or maybe unkempt yards. They are often found in a cellar or cellar, sometimes called cellar spiders.

Signs of a Daddy Long Leg Infestation

daddy long leg infestation

While these spiders are mostly harmless to humans, they can be a nuisance. Here are some signs that you may have an infestation.

  • One of the first things you'll notice if you have a daddy long leg infestation is an increase in the number of spiders around your home.
  • These spiders are most active at night, so you may see them crawling on your walls or ceiling.
  • You may also find them in dark corners or closets.
  • Another sign of an infestation is their web. Daddy long legs build webs in order to trap prey. If you see webs around your home, especially in areas where there is little foot traffic.

How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs Naturally

One of the most common pests is the daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen. These creepy-crawlies are harmless to humans but can be a nuisance if they get inside your home.

Here are 8 ways how to get rid of daddy long legs naturally.

1. Food-Grade Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous soil is mainly used in spidering to prevent scurrying or to protect their limbs from splints and other damage.

It is made from fossilized diatoms but it functions the same way in the water.

The flour-like substance breaks through the spider's exoskeleton releasing fluid. In addition, it enters and destroys it.

Use a method similar to borax acid. Using diatomaceous soil and other methods have made the removal of dad's long legs a lot easier.

Keeping it simple and repeatable is also important here. Do an occasional removal to avoid that annoying daddy long-legged limb in your room.

2. Vacuum them up

A powerful vacuum cleaner can also be used to eliminate these harvestmen from your home. This is how you do it:

Turn on the vacuum and place the end of the hose over the spider.

Slowly move the vacuum towards the spider.

The suction will pull them inside.

Once they are in, turn off

3. Sticky traps

Sticky traps are an effective way to get rid of daddy long legs to keep your home safe. All you need is some tape and a piece of paper.

  • To make the trap, simply put the tape on one side of the paper and fold it over so that the sticky side is facing out.
  • Then, place the traps in areas where you've seen the spiders.
  • The spiders will get stuck to the paper and you can dispose of them.

4. Boric acid

Boric acid

The presence of boric acid and hydrogen borate in the body repels and kills the daddy. Boric acid contains crystal-like microscopic particles which can make tiny cuts in arachnid exoskeletons.

Similarly, the powder may hold on to these animals. They will ingested the powder in a grooming accident, which causes dehydration as well as damage to the digestive system.

If you plan to make boric acid, simply use this in the spots where the dad hides his long legs. Please do however remember that pets cannot be brought close to these powders.

Bleach

Bleach

Bleach kills virtually all insects if directly touched. Thick bleach is very dangerous to spiders. Make sure you mixed 1/2 water in the sprayer. The stronger the solution, the stronger.

Mix two liquid mixtures and apply immediately. Daddy's long thighs can be incredibly weak. You just need a few minutes and they will die with bleach.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils

Various oils can be found in different kinds. However, you can repel Spider's flies by using citrus peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils.

They contain compounds such as d-limonène, which can be characterized by pest control properties.

For this repellent simply add some drops to spray bottles. Add a little water to the mix. Add more drops of the same oil or try mixing several together.

Broom the Webs

The webs are how these little harvestmen spiders catch their prey. If you want to get rid of them, sweep the webs with a broom every day.

Harvestmen Repellent

There are a number of products on the market that will help to repel these pests from your home.

One of the most popular is Niban Granular Bait. This product contains borax, which is deadly to harvestmen.

Simply sprinkle this around the perimeter of your home and in any areas where you have seen these pests.

Use Spidercides for Spider Control

Spidercides are an efficient way of killing daddy's long legs. Terrospid killers have been created specifically to eliminate these parasitic arachnids from their bodies.

This is also useful for building residual barriers. For the spider to stop re-entering your home, spray it around your home.

They hide in basements, attics, garages, and rare storage rooms. You should also look into this more detailed guide for the removal of spider nests. The book is packed with valuable information.

How to Prevent Daddy Long Legs Spiders

If you are looking for how to prevent getting these spiders, there are a number of things that you can do:

  • Keep your house clean and free of clutter. These spiders like to hide in dark, secluded places.
  • Seal any cracks or holes in your home. This will help to keep them from getting inside.
  • Make sure that you have a good screen on your doors and windows.
  • Remove any food sources that they may be attracted to, such as crumbs or spilled food.
  • Keep your yard free of debris and clutter. trim back any plants or shrubs that are close to your house.
  • Use a spider repellent around the perimeter of your home.

Following these tips, you can help to keep these spiders from taking over your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why shouldn't you kill Daddy Long Legs?

Although they look spider-like, daddy's tall legs represent a very common cranefly, according to the Wildlife Trust.

Their harmless characteristics mean that they're not dangerous, and you can never get rid of the spindly beasts if your house has no pets.

What causes Daddy Long Legs in the house?

It is common for rooms to be prone to bugs. They eat smaller insects that they caught on the web. You'll usually find big thighs in your dark areas like closets and closet drawers, and beneath the bend.

Conclusion

Dealing with a Daddy Long Legs infestation in your home can be creepy and unpleasant. However, there's no need to panic!

These arachnids may be creepy looking but they are harmless and there are a number of effective methods you can use to get rid of both them and their eggs from your home for good!

Try some of the methods we've listed above until you find one that works best for you on how to get rid of daddy long legs and say goodbye to those eight-legged creepers for good!

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
Recent Articles
NEED HELP? WE'RE AVAILABLE 24/7. CALL NOW.
1.866.501.2444
TAP TO CALL
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram