Despite the common misconception, Daddy long legs can be a beneficial pest in the garden and home. Their varied diet includes a wide variety of insects and pests. Although most of their activity is nocturnal, they can be found in cellars, basements, and wood piles. To better understand these creatures, learn how to identify their habitats. Read on to learn about the food they eat and the other ways they can help your garden.
Contents
Daddy long legs are arachnids
Daddy longlegs are arachnids, a group of insects with two pairs of walking legs. They lack sharp fangs and venom, but they use a variety of self-defense mechanisms. They can feign death or blur their body form to deter predators. They also use chemicals, which are produced by special repugnatorial glands at the base of their front two pairs of legs. In some species, these chemicals flow along grooves on the body, and some daddy longlegs may dab these chemicals onto predators.
Besides causing a nuisance, daddy long legs are harmless, arachnids that live in dark, damp places. Females lay eggs in moist soil in the fall and hatch in the spring. In northern areas of the U.S., daddy long legs live for one year, but they have been known to live for up to two years in the south. Listed below are some steps to help you get rid of Daddy long legs from your home.
They are venomous
While some people may assume that the Granddaddy Long Legs is venomous, the truth is that it’s not at all dangerous to humans. In fact, this species is beneficial for your home, as they eat spiders, worms, snails, and bird droppings. They like to hang out in wood piles, garages, and basements. The only venom they have is a weak chemical that does not cause any harm to humans.
There are different types of daddy long legs. In Pennsylvania, they are called cyphos and have tiny pod-like bodies with long legs. In Laos, a species with a 13-inch legspan was discovered in 2012. In South America, arachnids are called gonyleptids, and they have spines and vibrant colors. Thankfully, most species of daddy longlegs are not venomous.
They are scavengers
Although these arachnids are harmless to humans, they can be bothersome if they cluster together in large groups. You should leave these critters alone if you do not notice them in the first place. If you do notice them, contact a local pest control company to evaluate the problem and provide a treatment plan. Alternatively, you can try capturing these creatures under a glass table or other area with high visibility.
Although Granddad long legs are not poisonous to humans, they have unusual protection mechanisms that make them a great option for scavengers. They use fang-like mouthparts to chew their prey and are unlikely to bite humans. As such, they are often overlooked by the general public, so they deserve more attention. However, they still have a lot to offer the ecosystem.
They have chelicerae
Daddy longlegs are small, omnivorous insects. They feed on small insects, spiders, and even dead insects and other animals. Their chelicerae help to tear food apart and mix it with digestive fluids. Daddy longlegs need free water to survive and reproduce. They also have aedeagus, which is an organ that allows direct insemination without a spermatophore.
Although granddaddy long legs are harmless to humans, their presence in your home or garden may signal a pest problem. If you see one, contact a pest control company in your area and let them evaluate your property. They can determine the best treatment and prevent future infestations. Once you’ve identified the pest, make sure you remove any food sources where it has been living. A local pest control company will also be able to tell you if your home has a breeding ground for granddaddy long legs.
They don’t have fangs
Despite their name, granddaddy long legs do not have fangs or venom glands. This is not surprising considering their diet, which includes various pests. Fortunately, granddaddy long legs do not harm humans, but they are still a nuisance in the home. These creatures like to live in cellars, garages, and basements. To get rid of them, you can sweep or vacuum them up.
Although they do not have fangs, granddaddy long legs are harmless to humans and other animals. However, if you notice that they are grouped together in one area, you may have an infestation. In this case, it is best to call a professional pest control service, which can inspect your property and develop a custom treatment plan. You can try to catch the bugs under glass or catch them in other ways, but remember, it’s best to leave them alone unless you’re sure they’re dangerous.
They eat spiders and insects
Daddy longlegs are social animals and can often be found in large groups. Their life span is short and they typically reproduce sexually. Females lay eggs under stones, wood, and leaf litter. Their life cycle consists of eight growth stages. During the first year, the spiders will die and the female will carry the sperm around until it lays its eggs. Then, after about a year, the spider will become an adult.
Unlike other pests, granddaddy long legs are generally harmless to humans. If you discover one of these creatures in your home, simply trap it under a glass and remove it to a place outside. If you find several granddaddy longlegs, don’t be afraid to call a pest control company and have them evaluate your home. They will be able to determine if they are a problem and devise a treatment plan that will get rid of them.
