Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs in Virginia
Harvestmen, also called daddy longlegs, are frequently confused with spiders but are not true spiders. They get their name from their common appearance in late summer and fall, coinciding with the harvest. These creatures don’t have silk glands and can’t spin webs. Known for their long legs and small oval bodies, they can be a nuisance when they congregate around buildings, but are harmless to humans and their surroundings.
Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Habitat
Harvestmen thrive in humid areas like forests and caves, where they climb rocks and plants. In the summer, they are commonly found on the cool sides of buildings, under eaves, in crawl spaces, and on trees in both rural and urban settings. They prefer these shaded, sheltered environments for protection from predators and the elements. In the fall, they gather in large swarms on the sides of buildings, moving in unison, creating a disturbing wriggling mass that can unsettle both predators and homeowners.
Harvestmen Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Harvestmen act as beneficial predators in gardens by feeding on aphids, spiders, and other pests. They help keep pest populations in check naturally. They don’t bite or produce venom, so they’re safe around humans. When feeling threatened, they release an unpleasant scent to deter predators. Since they are nocturnal, harvestmen are usually not found in homes and can be difficult to notice.
If your property is infested with daddy longlegs spiders, don’t hesitate to call a professional spider exterminator in your area.
