Identifying Cellar Spiders: Physical Traits and Common Habitats
Cellar spiders, also called “daddy longlegs,” live in dark, damp places. They are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Their long legs and small, oval bodies are usually pale yellow, gray, or light brown. Their legs can be up to 2 inches long, making them look bigger than they are.
They vibrate fast in their webs when scared. This helps you know they are cellar spiders.
These spiders like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and dark places. They build messy webs in corners or near ceilings. If you see cobwebs, they might be from cellar spiders. Their webs catch prey by being complex and not sticky.
Physical Traits of Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders have unique features. Here are some key traits to help you identify them:
- Legs: Their legs are very long and thin. They look like “daddy longlegs.”
- Body: Their bodies are small and oval, about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long. They are usually pale, like light yellow to gray or brown.
- Eyes: They have six eyes, not eight like many spiders. Their eyes are in two groups of three.
- Webs: Their webs are messy and look like tangled cobwebs. These webs are not sticky but trap prey well.
Common Habitats of Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders like dark, damp places. Here are some common places to find them:
- Basements: Basements are great for them because they are dark and humid. You’ll find their webs in corners or near the ceiling.
- Crawl Spaces: These tight spaces are perfect for cellar spiders, as long as they are damp and not disturbed often.
- Garages: Garages can be home to cellar spiders, if they are cluttered and not cleaned often.
- Attics: Attics can also have cellar spiders if they are dark and humid.
Knowing where cellar spiders live helps you control them. By reducing humidity and keeping areas clean, you can make your home less welcoming to them.
Behavior and Diet
Cellar spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. They catch small insects like flies, mosquitoes, and ants. Their webs help control other insects, but can look bad if not cleaned.
When scared, cellar spiders vibrate fast in their webs. This makes it hard for predators to find them. This behavior helps you know if you have cellar spiders.
Preventing Cellar Spider Infestations
To keep cellar spiders away, follow these steps:
- Reduce Humidity: Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces. This makes the place less appealing to cellar spiders.
- Seal Entry Points: Look for cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and foundations. Seal them to keep spiders out.
- Regular Cleaning: Dust and vacuum often, focusing on corners and near ceilings. This removes webs and keeps spiders away.
- Declutter: Keep storage areas tidy and free of clutter. This removes hiding spots for spiders.
Knowing about cellar spiders helps you manage them better. They are mostly harmless but can be a nuisance. Taking steps to control them keeps your home clean and comfortable.
Effective Strategies for Controlling and Preventing Cellar Spider Infestations
Cellar spiders, also called “daddy longlegs,” are common pests. They like dark, damp places like basements and garages. Their webs can be unsightly. Here are ways to control and prevent them.
Understanding Cellar Spider Behavior
To manage cellar spiders, know their habits. They like quiet, humid places. They build webs in corners and near ceilings to catch insects. Knowing this helps you target their hiding spots.
Eliminate Their Food Source
Cellar spiders eat other insects. Reducing their food helps control them. Here’s how:
- Seal entry points: Check your home for cracks and gaps. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Install screens: Add screens to windows and doors. This keeps flying insects out.
- Use insect traps: Place sticky or light traps in areas with insects. This reduces their numbers.
Reduce Humidity and Moisture
Cellar spiders need damp environments. Lowering moisture in your home is key. Here’s how:
- Use a dehumidifier: Place one in damp areas to lower humidity.
- Fix leaks: Repair any leaks to prevent water buildup.
- Improve ventilation: Use fans or open windows for better airflow.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your home clean and clutter-free helps prevent spiders. Here’s how:
- Remove webs: Dust and vacuum corners and ceilings regularly. Use a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment for high spots.
- Declutter: Reduce clutter in storage areas. This eliminates hiding spots for spiders.
- Clean outdoor areas: Trim bushes and trees near your home. This reduces spider migration.
Natural and Chemical Control Methods
If you have a big infestation, you might need more control methods. Here are some options:
- Essential oils: Spiders don’t like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Mix a few drops with water and spray where spiders are active.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle this powder in spider-prone areas. It dehydrates and kills spiders.
- Insecticides: Use spider-specific sprays or dusts in spider areas. Always follow instructions and protect pets and children.
Prevent Future Infestations
After you’ve stopped the current problem, work on preventing future ones. Here’s how:
- Regular inspections: Check dark, damp spots in your home for spiders or webs often.
- Outdoor lighting: Use yellow or sodium vapor lights outside. They draw fewer insects that spiders eat.
- Professional help: If the problem keeps coming back, get a pest control expert to help.
Knowing how cellar spiders act and using these tips can help control and stop them. Keep up with cleaning, upkeep, and watching for pests. This will help keep them away.
Conclusion
Cellar spiders are common in homes. They have long legs and like dark, damp places. They’re mostly harmless but can be scary if there are a lot.
To stop them, reduce moisture, seal holes, and keep your home clean. For big problems, try vacuuming webs or using natural repellents. Being proactive keeps your home spider-free and balanced.
Remember, a little effort now can keep cellar spiders out of your home. This way, you can enjoy a spider-free space without worrying.
