- Deep clean and declutter your home to get rid of daddy long legs. They hide in dim, moist areas.
- Repair any cracks in windows, doors, and pipes to prevent daddy long legs from entering your home.
- If you have plants, remove dead leaves to eliminate daddy long legs’ food source.
How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs
Vacuum up daddy long legs or knock them down with a broom. If the infestation isn’t too big, the simplest solution is to vacuum them using your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment, then dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag. You can also knock them down with your broom and sweep them up.
Set up sticky traps. If you have a large infestation of daddy long legs, try placing sticky traps near windows and light sources, as well as your basement or tight, cramped areas. Since these are the areas daddy long legs are likely to gather, you’ll have the most luck trapping them.
Spray insect repellent. Not only will insect repellent deter daddy long legs, but it will also get rid of other insects. Since daddy long legs eat insects and other small invertebrates, they’ll likely move on to another location if there are no insects in your house. When spraying the repellent, pay special attention to corners and dark, moist areas.
Remove any food sources. Daddy long legs feed on insects and decaying plant matter. If you have houseplants, remove any dead or wilting leaves, and sweep up any dead flies or other insects that the daddy long legs might feast upon.
Hire a professional if all else fails. If the infestation is large and you’ve tried all other solutions, consult a pest control professional to discuss other options. In general, since daddy long legs are harmless, it’s best to avoid using chemical pesticides to get rid of them, so a professional may provide you with other options.
How to Prevent Daddy Long Legs Infestations
Remove clutter and debris. Declutter and deep clean your house, especially areas like your basement, to remove tight spaces in which daddy long legs could hide. Get rid of any unnecessary boxes or papers and dust everything down to get rid of cobwebs. Decluttering also removes hiding spots for other insects which daddy long legs eat. If they don’t have a food source, they won’t infest your home. Daddy long legs often seek shelter in homes during extremely hot or cold weather. They’re often found in basements and crawl spaces or any other area with low light and moisture. They can also fit into tight areas, so check the corners of your walls and behind any boxes or storage areas.
Seal all cracks and gaps. Just as sealing cracks can help you get rid of a current infestation, it can also help you prevent one. Take the time to carefully inspect your doors and windows and check for any entry points in your pipes or basement. Use caulk and weatherstripping to patch up any cracks or gaps. Consider installing screens on your windows and doors, as well.
Reduce moisture in your home. Daddy long legs prefer damp environments, so fix any leaks you might have, and make sure your bathroom and basement have proper ventilation by opening windows and turning on extractor fans. Remove any standing water from mop buckets or sinks. While ventilating a room, try to keep windows open (or at least cracked) on dry days. If the weather is highly humid, however, keep them closed. If you need to ventilate an area without windows, use a dehumidifier.
Use essential oils. Peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil naturally repel insects. Add a few drops of oil to a spray bottle of water and spray the solution around your home to keep daddy long legs and other pests away. Pay special attention to corners and moist or cluttered areas.
Turn off unnecessary lights at night. Daddy long legs are often attracted to light and may seek out the light in your home. To avoid this, turn off any outdoor lights and close your curtains or blinds at night. Because they’re attracted to light, daddy long legs often cluster around windows and light sources, which often gives the appearance of an infestation.
How to Identify Daddy Long Legs
Daddy long legs have long, spindly legs and round bodies. Sometimes known as harvestmen, daddy long legs are 8-legged arachnids, but they’re not actually spiders. They belong to the Opilione order while spiders are Araneae. However, they’re often mistaken for cellar spiders due to their similar appearance. Here are some ways to tell if you’re dealing with daddy long legs or spiders: Legs: Daddy long legs have extremely long, thin legs that can be several times the length of their body. Each leg usually has 7 segments. Body shape: Daddy long legs have a small, round body consisting of the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Unlike spiders, they do not have a distinct waist or narrow connection between their body parts. Instead, the body appears as a single segment. Coloration: Daddy long legs are typically brown, gray, or have a pale yellowish color to help them blend in with their surroundings. Eyes: Daddy long legs have 2 eyes that are small, simple, and located on top of their cephalothorax. They do not have the specialized vision spiders possess. Venom production: Daddy long legs do not produce venom and are not harmful to humans. Spiders, on the other hand, do possess venom glands and can be harmful to humans depending on the species. Silk production: Daddy long legs do not possess silk-producing spinnerets, while true spiders do. Antennae: Some daddy long leg species have long, whip-like antennae that extend from their heads.
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