Daddy long legs and harvestmen are two terms that refer to the same species of critter. While many people mistake them for spiders, they are not. They’re not even considered insects. They belong to a family called Phalangolidae. They lack venomous glands and cannot create webs. As omnivorous, these bugs typically feed on feces, organic materials, and other smaller insects.
Finding one or two around your home is normal in the summertime. They won’t bite or present a danger to your family; however, an infestation of them may present an issue. These vermin reproduces quickly, and you don’t want to start finding these “spiders” in all areas of your home.
Identifying Harvestmen/Daddy Long Legs
Daddy long legs look like most other spiders. They have a small body and long legs. The body is an oval shape, and they have eight long legs on them. The second pair of their legs are longer than the rest and are used to help taste and smell things around them. They have a set of two eyes that cannot see very well. Because of their poor vision, they rely on their second legs for their sense of direction. While they are not venomous, they have “fang-like” teeth that are used to hold their prey while they eat.
Why Do I Have Them in My Home?
Most often, you will find harvestmen in your home during harvest time. They can be found in large numbers under rocks, hiding in trees, logs, and piles of leaves. When the weather begins to get hotter or too dry for them, they will seek humidity and shelter inside your home.
These insects prefer dark, secluded areas like basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and attics. They are usually inactive during the daytime. They will come out at night to look for food sources.
Are Harvestmen Dangerous?
There is a common myth that these types of species are hazardous. Their fangs are not able to penetrate human skin, and they do not produce any venom. These species are merely a nuisance pest. In some ways, they are beneficial because they eat carcasses, feces, and smaller nuisance insects. They can defend themselves by emitting a strange odor to repel potential predators. During a fight, they may lose a leg that will continue to wiggle to distract the predator so they may make their escape.
How to Prevent or Treat a Daddy Long Legs Infestation
The easiest way to prevent an infestation is to keep your home free of moisture. By fixing any leaky pipes in and around your home, using dehumidifiers, maintaining gutters and fixing air conditioning units, you can make sure your house isn’t a breeding ground.
Be sure to caulk around your windows, doors and any cracks in your home’s foundation. Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed and away from the exterior of your home. If you are not able to get rid of the infestation on your own, it is essential to call in a professional extermination company for help.
Professional Exterminators in Brooklyn
If you notice your house has a daddy long legs infestation, it’s time to call in a professional. Call My Private Exterminator Inc, at 347-305-8524 or fill out our contact form. We have more than 15 years of experience serving Brooklyn communities. With professional help, you can take your home back and start enjoying it again.