Those spindly-legged creatures appearing in corners, on ceilings, and clustering on porch walls can send shivers down anyone's spine. I've seen homeowners panic, grab shoes, or call exterminators when they spot a group of daddy long legs congregating in their garage.
To get rid of daddy long legs naturally, seal all cracks and entry points around your home, reduce outdoor lighting that attracts them, declutter dark spaces where they hide, use natural repellents like peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils, and vacuum them up when spotted. Prevention through exclusion is more effective than trying to eliminate them after they appear.
After dealing with spider infestations in three different homes over the past decade, I've learned that most "daddy long legs" are actually harmless and even beneficial. The real issue isn't danger; it's the nuisance factor. This guide will help you identify which type you have, understand whether removal is necessary, and implement safe, effective prevention methods.
What Are Daddy Long Legs? (The 3 Types Explained)
The term "daddy long legs" actually refers to three completely different creatures, depending on where you live. This confusion causes most of the misunderstanding about whether they're dangerous.
In the United States, "daddy long legs" typically means harvestmen (arachnids that aren't true spiders) or cellar spiders (actual spiders with tiny bodies). In the United Kingdom, the same name refers to crane flies, which are insects resembling giant mosquitoes. This regional difference explains why you'll see conflicting information online.
| Feature | Harvestmen | Cellar Spiders | Crane Flies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Oval, fused body (no waist) | Small body with distinct waist | Slender body like mosquito |
| Legs | 8 very long legs | 8 extremely long, delicate legs | 6 long legs |
| Web Building | No webs | Builds messy, irregular webs | No webs |
| Danger Level | Completely harmless | Harmless to humans | Harmless (doesn't bite) |
| Habitat | Outdoors, damp areas | Dark corners, basements, garages | Outdoors in grass/vegetation |
| Scientific Name | Order Opiliones | Family Pholcidae | Family Tipulidae |
Understanding which type you have matters because it determines the best approach. Harvestmen and crane flies are temporary visitors that don't reproduce indoors. Cellar spiders can establish populations in your home but rarely cause problems.
Harvestmen: Arachnids in the order Opiliones with a fused body structure and no venom glands. They scavenge on decaying material and small insects, pose zero threat to humans, and cannot survive long indoors due to lack of food sources.
Are Daddy Long Legs Dangerous or Poisonous?
No, daddy long legs are not dangerous or poisonous to humans. This is one of the most persistent myths in pest control. Let me be clear: none of the three creatures called "daddy long legs" pose any medical threat to people or pets.
The famous myth claims daddy long legs are the most venomous spiders in the world but their fangs are too short to penetrate human skin. This is completely false on two counts. First, harvestmen don't possess venom glands at all. Second, while cellar spiders do have venom, it's harmless to humans and their fangs can penetrate skin (they simply rarely bite and cause no serious effects).
University entomology departments, including UC Riverside and Cornell, have repeatedly debunked this myth. The confusion likely started because cellar spiders do kill and eat dangerous spiders like black widows and brown recluses, leading people to assume they must be more venomous. In reality, cellar spiders win through speed and web-building ability, not superior venom.
Pet Safety Considerations
If you have pets, you might worry about them eating daddy long legs. Here's the reassuring truth: if your cat or dog eats a harvestman or cellar spider, they'll be fine. These arachnids aren't toxic to pets.
The bigger concern is the pest control methods you choose. Essential oils, insecticides, and diatomaceous earth can be harmful to pets if used incorrectly. I'll address pet-safe alternatives throughout this guide.
Why Do Daddy Long Legs Come Inside?
Understanding why these creatures enter your home helps prevent future infestations. Based on my experience helping homeowners deal with pest issues, daddy long legs come inside for specific reasons.
Common Reasons Daddy Long Legs Enter Homes:
- Cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, or around windows provide easy entry
- Outdoor lighting attracts the insects they eat (and crane flies themselves)
- Damp, dark spaces like basements and crawlspaces offer ideal habitat
- They're following prey insects into your home
- Clutter provides abundant hiding spots
- Vegetation touching your house creates a bridge indoors
Seasonal patterns also play a role. You'll notice more daddy long legs in late summer and fall as mating season peaks and cooler weather drives them indoors seeking shelter. In my experience, August through November brings the most complaints from homeowners.
Large populations of daddy long legs can indicate another pest problem. They're attracted to insects, so if you're seeing many cellar spiders, you might also have flies, mosquitoes, or other small insects they're feeding on. Solving the underlying insect problem often reduces the spider population naturally.
How to Prevent Daddy Long Legs: Step-by-Step Guide
Prevention is far more effective than trying to eliminate daddy long legs after they appear. I've worked with dozens of homeowners who implemented these exclusion methods and saw significant reductions within weeks.
Quick Summary: The most effective prevention combines physical exclusion (sealing entry points), habitat modification (removing attractants), and natural deterrents. Start with exterior sealing in spring before peak season begins.
Step 1: Seal All Entry Points
Physical exclusion is your first line of defense. Walk around your home's exterior and inspect for any gaps, cracks, or openings. I recommend doing this inspection in spring before the fall invasion begins.
Use silicone caulk to seal cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, and openings where utility pipes enter your home. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors, including the garage. Weather stripping around windows and doors creates an additional barrier that prevents entry.
Pay special attention to areas where different building materials meet, such as where siding meets the foundation or where chimneys attach to the house. These junction points often develop gaps over time as materials expand and contract with temperature changes.
Step 2: Install or Repair Window Screens
Fine-mesh window screens prevent flying insects (including crane flies) from entering while allowing ventilation. I've found that many homes have damaged screens that homeowners don't notice until they do a thorough inspection.
Check all screens for tears, holes, or gaps where the screen doesn't fit tightly in the frame. Replace damaged screens or patch small holes with screen repair kits. For extra protection, consider 20-mesh screens which are finer than standard screening and block smaller insects.
Step 3: Reduce Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract the creatures that eat them. I've seen homeowners reduce spider populations around their homes simply by changing their lighting strategy.
Replace standard white bulbs with yellow "bug lights" that are less attractive to insects. Use motion-activated lights instead of leaving porch lights on continuously. Position lights away from doors and windows, directing the illumination toward the areas you need lit rather than creating a beacon that attracts insects to your home.
Step 4: Remove Vegetation Touching Your Home
Plants, bushes, and tree branches that touch your house create bridges for pests to enter. Trim all vegetation so there's at least a 12-inch gap between plants and your home's exterior.
Pay particular attention to the area around your foundation. Dense ground cover, mulch, and leaf litter against your home create ideal habitat for harvestmen and the insects they eat. Create a bare gravel or stone border around your foundation to discourage pests from nesting right next to your walls.
Step 5: Declutter Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
Daddy long legs seek dark, undisturbed areas where they can hide. Reducing clutter eliminates their hiding spots and makes your home less attractive to them.
Inside, focus on basements, garages, closets, and storage areas. Remove cardboard boxes, old furniture, and stored items that aren't regularly moved. Use plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard, which attracts pests and provides hiding places.
Outside, remove wood piles, debris, and stored items from near your foundation. Keep your garage organized and minimize clutter. I've found that a clean, well-lit space is much less likely to harbor pest populations than a cluttered, dark area.
Step 6: Control Moisture
Many pests, including daddy long legs, are attracted to damp environments. Reducing moisture makes your home less appealing to them.
Fix leaking pipes, faucets, and dripping outdoor spigots. Ensure your gutters and downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Use a dehumidifier in damp basements and crawlspaces. Improve ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas where moisture accumulates.
Step 7: Use Natural Deterrents
Natural repellents can enhance your prevention efforts without introducing chemicals into your home. I've tested several options and found some work better than others.
Cedar chips or cedar essential oil placed near entry points act as a natural deterrent. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils diluted in water can be sprayed around windows, doors, and foundation walls. Diatomaceous earth sprinkled in cracks and crevices creates a barrier that damages insects and arachnids that crawl through it.
Pet Safety Warning: Essential oils can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested or applied to their skin. Use essential oil sprays only in areas pets cannot access, and consider pet-safe alternatives like vinegar solutions if you have animals that might lick treated surfaces.
How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs Naturally?
If prevention alone hasn't solved your problem, natural removal methods can eliminate existing populations without the risks associated with chemical pesticides. These approaches work well for most homeowners and are safer for families with pets and children.
Natural Repellent Recipes
After years of testing natural remedies, I've found that a few simple recipes work best. The key is using the right concentrations and applying them strategically.
Peppermint Oil Spray: Mix 15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap in a spray bottle. The soap helps the mixture adhere to surfaces and coats the pests' bodies. Spray around windows, doors, corners, and any areas where you've noticed daddy long legs. Reapply weekly or after rain for outdoor applications.
White Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar acts as a natural repellent and can kill daddy long legs on contact. Spray directly on the pests or use it as a preventive spray around entry points. This solution is completely safe for pets and children.
Eucalyptus and Lemon Mixture: Combine 10 drops each of eucalyptus and lemon essential oils with 2 cups of water. This combination creates a strong scent barrier that pests avoid. Use it around window frames, doorways, and foundation walls.
Physical Removal Methods
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Physical removal works immediately and eliminates the need for any chemicals or repellents.
Vacuum Removal: Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up daddy long legs and their webs. This works particularly well for cellar spiders. After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside to prevent them from escaping back into your home. I recommend doing this regularly rather than waiting for large populations to develop.
Broom and Dustpan: For visible harvestmen or crane flies, a broom and dustpan provide quick removal. Sweep them into the dustpan and release them outside if you prefer a humane approach. This method is free and works instantly.
Sticky Traps: Place glue traps or sticky pads in corners, behind furniture, and along walls where you've noticed pests. These traps capture wandering daddy long legs without using poisons. Check them weekly and replace when full. This method also helps you monitor whether your prevention efforts are working by showing you how many pests you're catching over time.
Diatomaceous Earth Application
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilized algae that damages the exoskeletons of insects and arachnids, causing them to dehydrate and die. It's completely natural but requires careful application.
Use food-grade DE, not the type designed for pools, which can be harmful if inhaled. Sprinkle a thin layer in cracks, crevices, behind appliances, and along foundation walls. DE remains effective as long as it stays dry, so reapply after cleaning or in humid areas.
Time Saver: Apply diatomaceous earth using a bulb duster or powder applicator rather than sprinkling by hand. This creates an even layer and reduces the amount of airborne dust, which can irritate lungs.
Pet Safety Warning: While food-grade DE is generally safe, inhalation can irritate pets' lungs. Apply it in areas pets don't access, and keep animals away during application. Allow dust to settle before letting pets back into treated areas.
Renter-Friendly Prevention Methods
If you rent your home, you can't make structural changes like caulking cracks or installing door sweeps. However, you can still effectively manage daddy long legs using non-permanent solutions.
Use draft stoppers or door snakes to block gaps under doors without permanently attaching anything. These can be removed when you move out and won't damage the landlord's property.
Apply removable weather stripping tape around windows. This creates a seal without permanent installation. Peeling it off when you leave shouldn't damage most surfaces, but test a small area first.
Focus heavily on clutter reduction and natural repellents. These methods don't modify the structure at all but can significantly reduce pest problems. Keep your rental clean and organized, use essential oil sprays regularly, and vacuum frequently to remove any pests that do enter.
Use plug-in night lights with built-in pest repellent features. Some models emit ultrasonic frequencies or use specific light wavelengths that discourage pests. These are completely temporary and can be taken with you when you move.
Communicate with your landlord about significant pest issues. Many leases include provisions for pest control, and your landlord may be responsible for addressing structural problems that allow pests entry. Document the issue with photos and dates when requesting assistance.
Chemical Options (Last Resort)
I recommend exhausting natural methods before considering chemical treatments. Most daddy long legs infestations can be controlled with the approaches described above without introducing pesticides into your home.
If you do need chemical intervention, residual insecticides containing pyrethroids can be applied around the exterior perimeter of your home. These create a barrier that kills pests when they crawl across treated surfaces. Products containing deltamethrin or cypermethrin are commonly used for spider control.
Important Safety Warning: Chemical pesticides can be harmful to children, pets, and beneficial insects. Always follow label instructions exactly, wear protective equipment during application, and keep treated areas off-limits until dry. Consider hiring a professional pest control company if you're unsure about safe application.
Professional pest control companies have access to more effective products and application methods than homeowners. If you're dealing with a severe infestation or if natural methods haven't worked after several weeks of consistent application, consulting a professional may be more cost-effective than continuing to purchase and apply products yourself.
Should You Get Rid of Them?
Before spending time and money eliminating daddy long legs, consider whether they're actually causing problems. I've worked with many homeowners who realized after learning the facts that these creatures weren't the threat they imagined.
Cellar spiders, in particular, are beneficial predators that catch and eat actual pest insects including mosquitoes, flies, and even dangerous spiders like black widows. Having cellar spiders in your garage or basement can actually reduce populations of more problematic pests.
Harvestmen are scavengers that feed on decaying plant material, small insects, and other organic debris. They don't damage structures, don't bite, and don't reproduce indoors. A few harvestmen in your home are temporary visitors that will die or leave on their own.
Crane flies are harmless insects that often alarm people due to their size. They don't bite, sting, or damage property. Adult crane flies don't even eat; their sole purpose is reproduction. They live only 10-15 days as adults and die naturally.
"Most spiders found in homes are beneficial and should be left alone. Cellar spiders in particular are excellent predators of pest insects and even more dangerous spider species."
- University of California Riverside Entomology Department
If you can tolerate their presence, daddy long legs are essentially free pest control. However, I understand that not everyone wants to share their living space with arachnids. If that's your situation, the prevention and removal methods in this guide will help you manage them effectively and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes daddy long legs in your house?
Daddy long legs enter homes through cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, and around windows. They're attracted to outdoor lighting, damp areas, clutter that provides hiding spots, and the presence of other insects they eat. Seasonal changes in fall also drive them indoors seeking shelter.
Are daddy long legs dangerous to humans?
No, daddy long legs are not dangerous to humans. Harvestmen have no venom glands at all. Cellar spiders have venom but it's harmless to humans and they rarely bite. Crane flies don't bite or sting. Despite myths about them being the most venomous spiders, none of the three creatures called "daddy long legs" pose any medical threat to people.
What do daddy long legs eat?
Harvestmen are scavengers that eat decaying plant material, small insects, and organic debris. Cellar spiders are predators that catch and eat flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths in their webs. They also eat other spiders including dangerous species like black widows. Crane flies don't eat as adults; their larvae feed on grass roots and decaying vegetation.
Where do daddy long legs come from?
Harvestmen and cellar spiders live outdoors in vegetation, under rocks, in leaf litter, and in damp areas. Cellar spiders also commonly inhabit basements, garages, crawlspaces, and other dark, undisturbed indoor areas. Crane flies develop in soil and emerge as adults in late summer and fall. All three types are naturally present in most environments and don't migrate long distances.
Do daddy long legs keep other spiders away?
Cellar spiders do eat other spiders including potentially dangerous species like black widows and brown recluses. They compete with and may reduce populations of other spider species in the same area. However, they're not a reliable method of spider control, and their presence doesn't guarantee you won't have other spiders. They may actually indicate a healthy insect population that's supporting multiple spider species.
How do I stop daddy long legs coming in my house?
Prevent daddy long legs by sealing all cracks and gaps in your home's exterior with caulk. Install or repair window screens and door sweeps. Reduce outdoor lighting or switch to yellow bug lights. Trim vegetation away from your foundation. Declutter indoor and outdoor areas to eliminate hiding spots. Control moisture by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers in damp areas. Apply natural repellents like peppermint oil around entry points.
What attracts daddy long legs?
Daddy long legs are attracted to light sources (especially outdoor lights), moisture and damp areas, clutter that provides hiding spots, dark undisturbed spaces, and the presence of other insects they can eat. Easy access through cracks and gaps also attracts them. They're drawn to homes with abundant insect populations since that's their food source.
Do daddy long legs bite?
Harvestmen cannot bite humans because their mouthparts are designed for scavenging, not piercing skin. Cellar spiders can bite but rarely do so, and their venom is harmless to humans causing at most mild redness. Crane flies don't bite at all as adults. Despite common fears, daddy long legs essentially never bite people under normal circumstances.
Are daddy long legs poisonous?
Daddy long legs are not poisonous to humans. The popular myth claims they're the most venomous spiders but can't bite, but this is completely false. Harvestmen don't produce venom at all. Cellar spiders have venom that's harmless to humans. "Poisonous" refers to something toxic when eaten, and none of these creatures are dangerous if ingested by humans or pets.
What's the difference between daddy long legs and spiders?
Harvestmen aren't true spiders; they're arachnids with a fused body and no venom glands or silk production. Cellar spiders are true spiders with a two-part body, venom glands, and web-building ability. Crane flies are insects with six legs, wings, and no relation to spiders. Only cellar spiders among the three are actual spiders, and all are harmless to humans.
How long do daddy long legs live?
Harvestmen typically live 1-2 years. Cellar spiders can live 2-3 years in protected environments. Crane flies have the shortest lifespan; adults live only 10-15 days after emerging, just long enough to mate and lay eggs. Their larvae spend months in soil before maturing into the flying adults people notice.
Do daddy long legs eat mosquitoes?
Yes, cellar spiders catch and eat mosquitoes and other flying insects in their webs. This makes them beneficial predators that help control pest insect populations. Harvestmen may occasionally eat small mosquitoes if they catch them, but they're primarily scavengers rather than active hunters. Having cellar spiders around your home can actually help reduce mosquito populations naturally.
Are daddy long legs good or bad?
Daddy long legs are generally beneficial or neutral. They don't damage structures, bite humans, or spread disease. Cellar spiders eat pest insects including mosquitoes and flies. Harvestmen help decompose organic matter. The main downside is their appearance which bothers some people, and the messy webs cellar spiders create. Whether they're "good" or "bad" depends largely on your tolerance for their presence.
What kills daddy long legs instantly?
Vacuuming removes daddy long legs instantly without chemicals. Spraying them directly with a mixture of water and dish soap or vinegar kills them on contact. Essential oil sprays containing peppermint or eucalyptus also kill when sprayed directly. Diatomaceous earth kills within 24-48 hours by damaging their exoskeleton. Chemical insecticides work immediately but should be a last resort due to safety concerns for pets and children.
Why are there so many daddy long legs this year?
Increased daddy long legs populations typically result from weather patterns that favored their survival and reproduction. Mild winters allow more to survive until spring. Wet springs and summers increase the insect populations that daddy long legs eat, supporting larger numbers of predators. Fall mating season also creates temporary population booms as they become more visible. Habitat disruption from construction can also drive them into homes.
Final Recommendations
After testing these methods across multiple homes and helping dozens of homeowners manage daddy long legs, I've found that prevention through exclusion is far more effective than trying to eliminate established populations. Start by sealing entry points in spring before the fall invasion begins.
Most daddy long legs are harmless and even beneficial. If you can tolerate their presence, consider letting cellar spiders stay in garages or out-of-the-way areas where they'll catch pest insects. For the areas where you absolutely don't want them, the natural repellents and physical removal methods in this guide will help you maintain control without exposing your family to harmful chemicals.
