Are Daddy Longlegs Dangerous? The Truth About This Common House Spider

Categories: Home Protection Plan, Pest Control, Spiders
Read time: 4 minutes

No matter where you grew up, chances are you’ve spotted long-legged “spiders” hanging out in a garage, basement, or crawl space. They’re incredibly common, but they’re also surrounded by myths and misinformation. Many homeowners wonder whether daddy longlegs are dangerous and whether they should leave these unusual-looking creatures alone or show them the door.

The truth is, “daddy longlegs” doesn’t refer to just one creature. In fact, three different animals commonly go by this name. Let’s take a closer look at each one, discuss whether they are harmful or beneficial, and figure out when seeing spiders in your home may point to a bigger pest problem.

Wait… Are Daddy Longlegs Even Spiders?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “daddy longlegs spider” your whole life. But if you are talking about them with a friend or neighbor, there’s a good chance you’re picturing different things. The name “daddy longlegs” is often used to describe three different bugs: harvestmen, cellar spiders, and crane flies. 

• Harvestmen (Order Opiliones): When entomologists talk about “daddy longlegs,” they are usually referring to harvestmen. These creatures are arachnids, but they are not true spiders. Unlike spiders, harvestmen have one rounded body instead of two separate sections. They don’t make silk or even spin webs!

• Cellar spiders (Family Pholcidae): As their name suggests, cellar spiders are often found in basements and garages, where they spin the familiar webs most people associate with spiders. Unlike harvestmen, they have two distinct body segments. Of the three creatures commonly called daddy longlegs, cellar spiders are the only true spiders. 

• Crane flies (Family Tipulidae): Crane flies are big insects, but some people do call them daddy longlegs! They resemble gigantic mosquitoes, but they are not harmful to humans. They usually just fly around aimlessly, especially if there is a light on in the area.

Can Daddy Longlegs Bite You?

Given all the rumors surrounding daddy longlegs, it’s understandable to wonder whether they can bite people. Fortunately, a daddy longlegs bite is extremely unlikely, and all three creatures are generally harmless to humans. Harvestmen don’t even have fangs, so they can’t bite people. Crane flies also can’t bite or sting. Despite looking like giant mosquitoes, they don’t feed on blood.

Cellar spiders do have fangs, but they rarely bite when disturbed and will usually retreat instead. If a bite does occur, it is typically painless and unlikely to cause more than mild skin irritation.

Are Daddy Longlegs Poisonous? 

If you’re wondering, “Are daddy longlegs poisonous?”, the short answer is no. None of the creatures called daddy longlegs are poisonous to people. Many homeowners actually mean to ask, “Are daddy longlegs venomous?”, because venom is delivered from a bite or sting. Poison has to be eaten, touched, or absorbed. 

You’ve probably heard the rumor that daddy longlegs are the most venomous spiders in the world, but their mouths are too small to bite people. That’s completely false, but the myth has persisted for years. 

Here’s what’s actually true: harvestmen and crane flies aren’t venomous at all. Cellar spiders do have venom, but they use it to subdue tiny prey like flies and mosquitoes, not people. Even if a cellar spider does bite, it isn’t considered a threat to humans.

Cellar spiders serve as a good reminder that just because something is venomous doesn’t always mean that it is dangerous to people.

Are Daddy Longlegs Beneficial to Have Around?

Harvestmen, cellar spiders, and crane flies are all considered beneficial. Harvestmen help keep some pest populations under control by feeding on small insects, mites, and other tiny organisms. Cellar spiders also use their webs to catch pests like mosquitoes, other spiders, and flies. 

Crane flies are a little different because they don’t hunt other pests. They do play an important role in the food chain by providing food for birds, spiders, and other wildlife. While they may look a little creepy, all three play a role in the ecosystem and are generally nothing to worry about. 

When Should You Actually Worry About Spiders in Your Home?

Because most spiders are harmless, you don’t need to worry if you occasionally spot one around the house. If you’re suddenly seeing more spiders than usual, though, it could be a sign of a bigger pest problem. Spiders go where their food is, so frequent spider sightings may mean other insects are living in or around your home. You also have reason to be concerned if you find black widow or brown recluse spiders, since their bites can be harmful to humans.

If you’re noticing more spiders than usual or you’re tired of sharing your home with unwanted guests, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.  At Fox Pest Control, we’ll look into what’s attracting them in the first place. By treating both the spiders and the insects they feed on, we can help make your home much less inviting to unwanted pests.