As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered various creatures in outdoor and indoor spaces. One spider that often catches people’s attention is the cellar spider, commonly known as the daddy long-legs spider. These spiders have a distinct appearance with long, thin legs that give them a unique look.
I have come across cellar spiders primarily in indoor environments, particularly in basements or cellars. They seem to thrive in these spaces due to the consistent temperature and shelter from outdoor elements. However, they can also be found in other areas of the house, such as attics or unused rooms.
What sets cellar spiders apart is their web-spinning behavior. Unlike other spiders that create intricate and organized webs, cellar spiders tend to spin loose and messy webs. These webs can often be found in the corners of rooms, especially where the walls meet the ceiling. It seems as though cellar spiders prefer these locations as they provide ample space for their webs and potential prey.
In my experience, I have found that cellar spiders are not aggressive towards humans and are relatively harmless. Their primary diet consists of insects and other small arthropods, making them beneficial in controlling pest populations indoors. However, some people may find their presence undesirable due to their webbing and the perception of spiders in general.
It is important to note that while cellar spiders may resemble other long-legged spiders, they are distinct in their behavior and habitat preference. They are not to be confused with harvestmen, which are often referred to as daddy long-legs as well. Harvestmen are arachnids but not spiders, and they have a different body structure and behavior compared to cellar spiders.
If you come across a spider with long, thin legs, particularly in indoor spaces like basements or cellars, it is likely a cellar spider or daddy long-legs spider. These spiders are known for their messy webs and tend to be harmless to humans. While their presence may not be welcomed by everyone, they can help control insect populations indoors.
