Cellar spiders are a species of arachnid with small bodies and long, thin legs. They are usually light brown, gray, or tan in color, and are about 6 to 9 mm in length. Like all spiders, cellar spiders have eight legs, however, theirs are much longer and thinner than most spiders. Many people refer to cellar spiders as “daddy long legs,” but true daddy long legs are actually not spiders. Daddy long legs are distant relatives of the cellar spider and belong to the same animal class: Arachnida.
Why do cellar spiders invade?
As their name suggests, cellar spiders are often found in dark and moist areas such as cellars, basements, garages, and bathrooms. They build loose webs in areas with high humidity to catch their insect prey. Unlike most types of spiders that use their webs for a short while and then construct new ones, cellar spiders will add layers of new webs on top of their old ones. These spider webs build up quickly in a short time span, which can create unsightly masses of cobwebs within your Greenville property. Additionally, multiple cellar spiders will often build their webs close to each other, creating even more of a nuisance.
Cellar Spider Prevention
Preventing cellar spiders from invading your Greenville home starts with locating the problems that initially attracted them. Like many arachnids, cellar spiders invade areas with high insect activity, which means properties with existing pest problems are frequently targeted. To avoid attracting cellar spiders (and insects they eat) to your Greenville property, consider implementing these spider-prevention tips around your home.
- Reduce moisture on the interior and exterior of your home. This includes clearing your gutters of debris, repairing leaky pipes, replacing water-damaged wood, and installing dehumidifiers.
- Seal all possible entry points around your home. Inspect and seal gaps in your foundation, roofing, and exterior walls.
- Replace torn window and door screens.
- Install door sweeps on all doors that lead outside.
- Keep your property clutter-free.
If spiders have already invaded your Greenville home, there are still a few things you can try that might get rid of a small scale-cellar spider infestation. Vacuum or destroy webs you find and kill spiders you find in your home. For larger infestations, or if your spider problem persists, contact the professionals here at Spencer Pest Services. We provide effective residential pest control services for Greenville residents. To find out more about our spider removal and prevention services, give us a call today!