October, a month of crisp autumn air and ghoulish festivities, also serves as a reminder that spider season is upon us. As arachnids scuttle around seeking refuge, many often find themselves within the confines of our homes, triggering mixed reactions from humans. One particular arachnid (or is it?), the Daddy Long Legs, carries with it numerous misconceptions. As Halloween approaches, let’s uncover the truth about these critters and decide whether they’re a friend or a foe and what to do when you see a Daddy Long Leg.

The Truth About Daddy Long Legs

One might believe they know what a Daddy Long Legs looks like, but the term actually refers to three distinct creatures. Only one is a true spider, while the others belong to different families altogether.

1. Crane Flies: Not What You Might Think

Contrary to popular belief, crane flies are not spiders at all, but rather insects. Karl Curtis, a key figure at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, clarifies that crane flies are actually more related to flies than arachnids. They emerge around this time of year, having spent most of their lives as larvae underground, finally appearing to find mates and lay eggs before their life cycle ends.

Dubbed Daddy Long Legs due to their noticeable long legs, these creatures are often mistaken for spiders. Curtis mentions, “They often get confused with spiders but they’re not, they’re flies. They’re a really good food source for birds.” Rather than viewing them as pests, Curtis advocates for their catch and release, emphasizing their environmental importance. Furthermore, crane flies aren’t seeking to share your home but are drawn inside by warmth and light. Notably, these insects play a pivotal role in natural pest control by preying on snails, worms, and even spiders.

2. Cellar Spiders: The Actual Spiders of the Group

If you spot a spider lurking in the corner of your room with spindly legs, chances are you’re looking at a cellar spider. “The very long spindly spiders that you get in the corners of your room, they’re called cellar spiders,” describes Curtis.

Cellar spiders, true to their name, often take residence in basements and other low-traffic areas. There’s a pervasive myth suggesting that these spiders possess potent venom but have fangs too diminutive to penetrate human skin. Dispelling this notion, cellar spiders are mostly harmless and would only bite if threatened, resulting in mild irritations that are easily treated.

3. Harvestmen: Not Spiders, but Close Relatives

Much like crane flies, harvestmen, also known as opilionids, are not spiders despite their arachnid-like appearance. While they share the “Daddy Long Legs” moniker, they differ from spiders in numerous ways. For instance, they don’t spin webs or produce venom and have only two eyes.

Interestingly, harvestmen are known for their unique grooming method called leg threading, where they slide their long legs through their mouths. These creatures are opportunistic eaters, feasting on decaying organic matter and even other dead insects. An intriguing trait they possess is the ability to shed their legs to escape predators, a mechanism akin to some lizards losing their tails.

Here’s What To Do When You See a Daddy Long Legs

It’s a natural human reaction: seeing an unexpected creature in our homes can often lead to an immediate, and sometimes irrational, desire to remove it. Even more so if the critter has long, sprawling legs, as most Daddy Long Legs do. The fear and misunderstanding that surround these creatures mean they often meet an untimely end at the hands of a frightened human. But, is that really the best course of action?

Understanding Over Fear

Firstly, it’s essential to understand the nature of the creature you’re dealing with. The term “Daddy Long Legs” is a common nickname that can refer to multiple creatures, and not all of them are spiders. Most importantly, very few of them pose any threat to humans. Recognizing their ecological significance, especially as a food source for many birds, can help shift our perspective. Instead of seeing them as mere pests, we can appreciate their role in the broader ecosystem and treat them with the respect they deserve.

Catch and Release

Rather than resorting to killing, adopting a catch-and-release approach is both humane and environmentally conscious. If a crane fly has ventured into your home, it’s likely seeking warmth or has been lured by the lights. They are not there to harm or bother you. Gently catching them with a glass and a piece of paper, and then releasing them outside can be a simple, kind solution.

Similarly, cellar spiders are mostly harmless and, given their diet, might even be helping to keep your home free of other, more bothersome pests. If their presence bothers you, they can be relocated in a similar way to crane flies.

Harvestmen, being nocturnal, might surprise you in dimly lit areas of your home. Remember, they are more afraid of you than you are of them. Just like the other two, they can be safely escorted outside.

Rethinking Pesticides: Embracing Nature-Friendly Insect Repellents

When faced with insects inside our homes, our first instinct might be to reach for a can of pesticide, especially if our knowledge about the creature’s harmlessness is limited. But indiscriminate use of pesticides isn’t the solution. Not only do these chemicals often bring harm to insects that play crucial roles in our ecosystem, like the misunderstood Daddy Long Legs, but they also pose potential risks to our health.

It’s entirely possible to deter or manage these creatures in ways that neither harm them nor put us in discomfort. By adopting nature-friendly repellents, we can create a balance where both humans and insects coexist without causing harm to one another or the environment.

1. Essential Oils: Many essential oils are known to repel insects effectively.

Peppermint Oil: Spiders, in particular, dislike the scent of peppermint. A mixture of 15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle can be sprayed in areas where spiders frequent.
Lemon and Eucalyptus Oil: A combination of these can act as a repellent for many insects. Just ensure they’re mixed with a carrier oil or water before application.

2. Diatomaceous Earth: This is a natural product made from crushed fossilized algae. It’s non-toxic to humans but deadly to insects. Sprinkle it around your home’s foundation or in any area where pests might enter.

3. Vinegar: Spiders dislike the strong smell of vinegar. Mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and then applying it to corners, windowsills, and entrances can deter them.

4. Citrus Peels: Just like vinegar, spiders are not fans of citrus. Rubbing citrus peels on areas where spiders are found can act as a repellent. It also leaves a pleasant scent!

5. Cedar: Cedar blocks or shavings can be used in closets, wardrobes, and drawers to repel moths and other insects. The aromatic scent of cedar is disliked by many pests.

6. Keep Your Home Clean: Regular cleaning can prevent many pests. Vacuuming regularly, especially in corners and under furniture, can remove any spiders, webs, and egg sacs. Ensure that food is stored properly, and any spills are cleaned immediately to avoid attracting pests.

Respecting the Smallest Among Us

As the spider season unfolds, it’s essential to approach the presence of Daddy Long Legs and other such creatures with understanding and compassion. Instead of viewing them as pests to be eradicated, we should recognize their ecological significance and value their contributions to our environment. By educating ourselves about these harmless arachnids and insects, and opting for nature-friendly repellents when necessary, we can strike a harmonious balance that respects all living beings in our shared spaces. After all, our homes are part of a larger ecosystem, and every creature, no matter how small, has a role to play in maintaining its delicate balance.

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