Daddy Long Leg Identification & Prevention

The daddy long legs, leggy appearance makes them seem like they would be a spider, but they are not true spiders, nor are they true insects! Daddy long legs are part of the family Phalangiidae.

Daddy long legs are easily identified by their eight thin, long legs. Their two eyes provide them with very poor vision. Like spiders, daddy longs have two body segments, but they are fused together, creating a single large, oval-shaped body. Daddy long legs have fang-like mouthparts that they use not to inject venom but to hold onto their prey as they feed.

There is a myth that daddy long legs are one of the most venomous creatures living in our country, but their fangs are too small to inject us with their venom. There is absolutely no truth to this myth! Not being a true spider means that they lack venom glands and are not a threat to people. Daddy long legs are beneficial pests as they feed on a variety of insects, helping to control their populations.

Daddy long legs are highest in numbers and most problematic for people in the late summer and fall. Excess moisture from leaky pipes, fixtures, or areas of standing water attracts these pests to properties. They will also move inside if the weather outside becomes too hot or dry. Daddy long legs often move inside through open windows and doors, spaces under doors, or torn screens.

Daddy long legs rest during the day and become active at night hunting for insects. They are not able to produce silk and do not build webs. Outside, they hide on or under trees, rocks, logs, stumps, leaf piles, and overgrown shrubs and bushes. Those that have moved inside usually choose humid, dark, quiet areas to live such as basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and garages.

Professional home pest control is a great option when working on getting rid of daddy long legs and other pests. Albemarle Termite & Pest Control technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. Our family-owned pest control company is known for putting customers first and exceeding expectations. If you want to eliminate pests from your property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

Avoid problems with daddy long legs with the help of the following prevention tips.

• Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and leaf piles from your yard.
• Cut overgrown vegetation away from your home’s exterior.
• Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior walls or foundation.
• Repair torn or loose screens.
• Remove areas of standing water from your property.
• Fix leaky pipes or fixtures.