Daddy long leg spiders are really not spiders at all. They’re real name is Harvestman and where spiders have a distinctly separated abdomen, the harvestman has a short abdomen that is broadly joined. It has long, thin legs and is a hunter of small insects both living and dead. They love mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies and other garden varieties. They often accumulate in large numbers around structures and may invade the home if given the chance. Moisture is an attraction and they require water on a regular basis. Harvestmen cannot bite or sting, they possess no venom, and they do not create silk. But they can be menacing when several are found together and most people don’t like them hanging around in great numbers.
Adults vary in size and can have a body the size of a pea up to about 1/2 inch. Their leg span can reach up to several inches. Their head, thorax, and abdomen are all joined closely together to form a single body area, which is held elevated as the animal walks and their movement is weak as if they are moving on stilts.
The harvestmen are harmless and beneficial but their presence in large numbers can be quite disturbing. Eliminating harborage sites can help but in most cases it will be best to do some treating. Products like BIFEN IT or CYONARA RTS will quickly wipe out any population. Be sure to get all surface areas and focus in on shady, protected sides of the home and neighboring trees. A good PUMP SPRAYER can do the job as will a HOSE END SPRAYER.
