Cellar Spiders in Tennessee | Pest ID Guide
Quick Facts About Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders are the spindly, long-legged spiders hanging in basement corners, crawl spaces, and closets. Many people call them daddy longlegs. They’re harmless, and they even eat other spiders.- Size: Body about 1/4 inch, with legs up to 2 inches across
- Color: Pale yellow, tan, or light gray
- Legs: Extremely long and thin
- Webs: Loose, irregular, messy webs in corners and ceilings
- Behavior: Vibrate rapidly in their webs when disturbed
- Where found: Basements, crawl spaces, garages, closets, and ceiling corners
How to Identify Cellar Spiders
Very long, delicate legs and a small body are the giveaway. When disturbed, they shake their webs so quickly they blur.Cellar Spiders vs. Harvestmen
Harvestmen, also called daddy longlegs, look similar but aren’t spiders. They have one oval body section instead of two, don’t make webs or silk, and have no venom glands. You usually find them outdoors on walls, plants, and lawns.
The Daddy Longlegs Venom Myth
You may have heard that daddy longlegs are the most venomous spiders but their fangs are too small to bite. It’s a myth. Cellar spiders have venom for catching small prey, but there’s no evidence it’s dangerous to people, and they almost never bite.
Signs of Cellar Spiders
- Loose webs: Messy webs in upper corners, ceilings, and basement joists
- Egg sacs: Small bundles of eggs carried in the female’s jaws
- Clusters: Many spiders together in damp basements and crawl spaces
How to Reduce Cellar Spiders
- Vacuum webs: Regularly clear corners, ceilings, and joists.
- Lower humidity: Cellar spiders prefer damp spaces; a dehumidifier or crawl space encapsulation helps.
- Reduce insects: Fewer insects means less food.
- Seal gaps: Caulk cracks and seal around basement windows and utility lines.
When to Call a Professional
Large numbers of cellar spiders usually mean plenty of insects and moisture. A technician can treat the home and recommend moisture fixes. See our spider control services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cellar spiders dangerous?
No. They almost never bite, and there’s no evidence their venom is dangerous to people.
Are daddy longlegs the most venomous spider?
No, that’s a myth. Cellar spiders aren’t dangerous, and harvestmen, the other “daddy longlegs,” have no venom at all.
Why do cellar spiders shake their webs?
Vibrating the web rapidly helps them avoid predators by making them hard to see.
Why are there so many spiders in my basement?
Basements are often damp and full of insects, which is ideal for cellar spiders.
Do cellar spiders eat other spiders?
Yes. They prey on other spiders, including sometimes larger ones.
