Daddy long legs spiders, also known as harvestmen, are common household pests that can be a nuisance. However, there are a number of natural ways to repel them without resorting to harsh chemicals.
One effective way to repel daddy long legs spiders is to seal up any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior. This will prevent them from entering your home in the first place. You can also try planting peppermint or lavender around your home, as these plants have a strong scent that spiders find unpleasant. Additionally, you can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home’s perimeter. This powder-like substance is sharp and abrasive, and it can irritate spiders’ exoskeletons.
If you find daddy long legs spiders inside your home, you can vacuum them up or trap them with a glass jar. Be sure to release the spiders back outside after you have caught them. You can also try using a natural spider repellent spray, such as one made with vinegar or citrus oil. These sprays can help to deter spiders from entering your home in the first place.
Identifying Daddy Long Leg Spiders
Daddy long leg spiders, also known as harvester spiders or crane flies, are common household pests. These spindly creatures are often confused with true spiders, but they belong to a different order of arachnids called Opiliones. Daddy long legs have long, thin legs and a small, oval body. Their legs are typically longer than their bodies, and they can range in color from brown to black.
Daddy long leg spiders are not venomous and do not pose a threat to humans. However, they can be a nuisance, as they often invade homes in search of food. These spiders typically feed on insects, but they will also eat dead skin cells and other organic matter.
Physical Characteristics
Daddy long leg spiders have several physical characteristics that distinguish them from true spiders:
| Characteristic | Daddy Long Leg Spiders | True Spiders |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Small, oval, and flattened | Compact and rounded |
| Legs | Long, thin, and spindly | Stouter and shorter |
| Eyes | Two pairs of eyes located on a small bump | Four or eight eyes arranged in a variety of patterns |
| Abdomen | Segmented and often has a dark mark | Unsegmented and usually lacks a pattern |
In addition to these physical characteristics, daddy long leg spiders also have a unique way of moving. They typically walk slowly and deliberately, with their legs moving in a jerky, uncoordinated manner. True spiders, on the other hand, move more quickly and smoothly.
Understanding Their Habits
Daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen or harvester spiders, are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors and characteristics. By understanding their habits, you can develop effective strategies to keep them away from your home.
Habitat and Food Sources
Daddy long legs are found in a variety of environments, including fields, forests, and moist areas. They are primarily nocturnal and prefer dark, sheltered places during the day. These spiders feed on small insects, such as aphids, mites, and flies.
Reproduction and Development
Daddy long legs reproduce sexually, and females lay eggs in the fall. The eggs are often deposited in moist soil or under rocks and logs. Nymphs, which are immature spiders, emerge in the spring and mature into adults over several months.
Dispersal and Behavior
Daddy long legs use a unique form of locomotion called striding. They walk with their long, slender legs in a side-to-side motion, giving them the appearance of “harvesting” the air. These spiders are generally passive and non-aggressive towards humans. However, they may bite or play dead if disturbed or threatened.
Table: Common Signs of Daddy Long Leg Spider Infestations
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Webs | Daddy long legs do not build webs, but their presence may be indicated by fine threads or webs in corners or sheltered areas. |
| Molted Exoskeletons | As daddy long legs grow, they shed their exoskeletons. These shed exoskeletons may be found in areas where the spiders are active. |
| Live Spiders | Direct sightings of daddy long legs, especially during the evening or in dark, sheltered places, are a clear sign of an infestation. |
Natural Predator Deterrents
Spiders
Daddy long legs are prey to many other larger spiders, such as wolf spiders and jumping spiders. If you see these larger spiders in your home, it is a good sign that your daddy long legs problem is being taken care of naturally.
Birds
Birds love to eat daddy long legs. If you can attract birds to your yard or garden, they will help to keep the daddy long legs population under control.
Lizards
Lizards are also known to eat daddy long legs. If you live in an area where lizards are common, they can be a great way to keep daddy long legs out of your home.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, have been shown to repel daddy long legs. You can diffuse these oils in your home or apply them to cotton balls and place them around areas where daddy long legs are seen.
Vinegar
Daddy long legs do not like the smell of vinegar. You can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it around areas where daddy long legs are seen.
Citrus
Daddy long legs also dislike the smell of citrus. You can place slices of lemon or orange peel around areas where daddy long legs are seen.
Essential Oils for Repulsion
Certain essential oils possess potent repellent properties that effectively deter daddy long leg spiders. These oils emit strong fragrances that overwhelm the spiders’ sensory organs, creating an unpleasant environment that forces them to seek refuge elsewhere. The following essential oils are particularly effective in repelling daddy long leg spiders:
- Peppermint oil: With its strong, minty aroma, peppermint oil creates an intolerable atmosphere for spiders. Diffusing peppermint oil in the affected areas or applying it topically to entry points can effectively deter their presence.
- Tea tree oil: Known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil also serves as a potent spider repellent. Its pungent, earthy scent repels spiders and discourages them from entering your space.
- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil possesses a fresh, camphoraceous aroma that is highly effective in repelling spiders. It can be used in an essential oil diffuser or applied to cotton balls and placed near entry points.
- Citrus oils: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit have strong citrus scents that spiders find highly repulsive. Diffusing citrus oils or placing citrus peels around the home can create a deterrent barrier that keeps spiders at bay.
Keep Your Surroundings Clean
Daddy longlegs are attracted to cluttered and dirty environments. To keep them away, make sure to keep your home and yard clean. This includes sweeping and mopping floors regularly, vacuuming carpets, and dusting furniture. You should also declutter your home and get rid of any unnecessary items that could provide hiding places for spiders. If you have a yard, be sure to mow the lawn regularly and trim back any overgrown bushes or trees.
Outdoor areas:
- Remove piles of leaves, brush and other debris from around your home.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean of leaves and debris.
- Seal cracks and holes in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs that are touching your home.
- Move woodpiles and other potential hiding places for spiders away from your home.
Indoor areas:
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly.
- Dust furniture and surfaces regularly.
- Wash bedding and curtains regularly.
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors.
| Spider control | Additional measures |
|---|---|
| Keep your home clean. | Vacuum regularly, sweep and mop floors and clean up food spills. |
Seal Entry Points
Daddy long legs spiders, also known as harvestmen or opiliones, are common household pests. While they are not venomous and pose no threat to humans, they can be a nuisance. One of the best ways to prevent daddy long legs from entering your home is to seal off any potential entry points.
Here are some tips for sealing entry points:
- Inspect your home for any cracks or holes in the foundation, walls, or roof. Seal these openings with caulk or expanding foam.
- Check around windows and doors for any gaps. Install weatherstripping to seal these gaps.
- Place door sweeps at the bottom of doors to prevent spiders from crawling under.
- Cover vents and chimneys with screens to prevent spiders from entering through these openings.
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris. Spiders are attracted to clutter, so removing potential hiding places will help to keep them away.
- Trim back any vegetation that is growing close to your home. Spiders can use plants as a bridge to enter your home.
By sealing off entry points, you can help to prevent daddy long legs spiders from entering your home. In addition to these tips, you may also want to consider using a spider repellent spray around the perimeter of your home.
How to Seal Entry Points for Daddy Long Legs Spiders
| Entry Point | Sealing Method |
|---|---|
| Cracks and holes in foundation, walls, or roof | Caulk or expanding foam |
| Gaps around windows and doors | Weatherstripping |
| Bottom of doors | Door sweeps |
| Vents and chimneys | Screens |
| Clutter in yard | Remove debris |
| Vegetation growing close to home | Trim back |
Use Diatomaceous Earth
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder made from the fossilized remains of microscopic algae called diatoms. It is a highly effective pest control agent due to its sharp, jagged edges that can cut through the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Repel Daddy Long Legs
To use diatomaceous earth to repel daddy long legs, sprinkle it around areas where they are commonly seen, such as baseboards, windowsills, and doorways. You can also create a barrier around your home by sprinkling a line of diatomaceous earth around the perimeter. Be sure to wear a dust mask when applying diatomaceous earth, as it can be irritating to the lungs.
| Daddy Long Legs Entry Points | Diatomaceous Earth Placement |
|---|---|
| Baseboards | Sprinkle along baseboards |
| Windowsills | Sprinkle on windowsills |
| Doorways | Sprinkle at the threshold |
| Exterior Perimeter | Create a line around the perimeter of the home |
Precautions
While diatomaceous earth is safe for use around pets and children, it is essential to take precautions to avoid inhaling the dust. Wear a dust mask when applying diatomaceous earth, and avoid spraying it directly into the air. If you have any concerns about using diatomaceous earth, consult a pest control professional.
Repellent Sprays and Granules
Commercial repellents are available in both spray and granule form, and they can be effective at keeping daddy long legs away from your home and yard. When choosing a repellent, read the label carefully to make sure it is labeled for use against daddy long legs and follow the directions for use.
Homemade Repellents
There are also a number of homemade repellents that you can make yourself. These repellents are often less expensive than commercial products, and they can be just as effective.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, are said to repel daddy long legs. You can add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water, and then spray it around the perimeter of your home or in areas where you have seen daddy long legs.
Vinegar
Daddy long legs are also repelled by the smell of vinegar. You can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and then spray it around your home. You can also place bowls of vinegar around your home to deter daddy long legs.
Citrus
Daddy long legs do not like the smell of citrus fruits. You can place orange or lemon peels around your home to deter them. You can also add a few drops of citrus essential oil to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water, and then spray it around your home.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill daddy long legs. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home or in areas where you have seen daddy long legs.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming regularly can help to remove daddy long legs from your home. Be sure to vacuum under furniture, in closets, and in other areas where daddy long legs may be hiding.
Sealing Cracks and Gaps
Daddy long legs can enter your home through cracks and gaps in your foundation, walls, and windows. Sealing these cracks and gaps can help to keep daddy long legs out of your home.
Professional Pest Control
If you have a severe daddy long leg problem, you may need to call a professional pest control company. A professional pest control company can identify the source of your daddy long leg problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
Professional Pest Control Services
Professional pest control services can be an effective way to repel daddy long leg spiders from your home. These services typically use a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods to eliminate spiders and prevent them from returning. Some of the methods that professional pest control companies may use include:
- Chemical treatments: These treatments involve applying insecticides to areas where spiders are likely to be found, such as baseboards, windowsills, and corners.
- Non-chemical treatments: These treatments involve using methods such as caulking and sealing cracks and gaps in your home to prevent spiders from entering, and vacuuming regularly to remove cobwebs and spider eggs.
- Exclusion: This involves sealing up any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior to prevent spiders from getting inside.
- Trapping: This involves placing traps around your home to catch spiders.
- Spider repellents: These products can be applied around your home to deter spiders from entering.
- Natural predators: Introducing natural predators, such as cats or spiders, can help to reduce the population of daddy long leg spiders in your home.
- Regular cleaning: Keeping your home clean and free of clutter will help to reduce the number of places where spiders can hide.
- Moisture control: Spiders are attracted to moisture, so it is important to fix any leaks and keep your home dry.
- Eliminate hiding places: Remove any clutter or debris from your home that could provide hiding places for spiders.
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps and seal them up to prevent spiders from entering.
How To Repel Daddy Long Leg Spiders
Daddy longlegs, also known as harvestmen or harvester spiders, are common household pests. They are not actually spiders, but rather belong to the order Opiliones. Daddy longlegs are typically brown or black in color and have very long, thin legs. They are not venomous and do not pose any threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance because they often get into homes and can be difficult to remove.
There are a number of things you can do to repel daddy longlegs from your home. One is to seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation or walls. Another is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. Daddy longlegs are attracted to food and debris, so by keeping your home clean, you can make it less appealing to them.
You can also use essential oils to repel daddy longlegs. Some essential oils that are effective at repelling daddy longlegs include peppermint, tea tree oil, and lavender. You can diffuse these oils in your home or apply them to cotton balls and place them around areas where daddy longlegs are commonly seen.
People Also Ask About How To Repel Daddy Long Leg Spiders
What are the most effective ways to repel daddy long legs?
The most effective ways to repel daddy long legs include sealing up cracks and holes in your home, keeping your home clean and free of clutter, and using essential oils.
Are daddy long legs dangerous?
No, daddy long legs are not dangerous. They are not venomous and do not pose any threat to humans.
What do baby daddy long legs look like?
Baby daddy long legs look like small, brown or black spiders with very long, thin legs. They are typically about 1/4 inch in size.
