Cellar Spiders

Cellar spiders have small, oval-shaped bodies and extremely long, thin legs. Their bodies range from pale yellow to light brown or gray and measure about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch in length, though their legs make them appear much larger. Unlike some other spiders, cellar spiders have a habit of vibrating rapidly in their webs when disturbed, making them harder for predators (or people) to spot.

What do cellar spider webs look like?

Cellar spider webs are loose, messy, and tangled. Unlike common house spiders, which build slightly irregular webs that resemble the more classic cobweb, cellar spiders spin irregular silk structures that expand over time. 

Are cellar spiders and daddy longlegs the same thing?

Not exactly! Although many Maine homeowners often refer to cellar spiders as daddy longlegs, they are two different arachnids. In fact, cellar spiders are true spiders with long legs, silk-producing glands, and the ability to spin webs. Daddy longlegs, or harvestman, are not spiders. They have long legs like spiders, but these arachnids do not have fangs, venom, or silk glands. 

Do cellar spiders bite?

Cellar spiders are not aggressive and rarely, if ever, bite humans. Their fangs are small and not strong enough to penetrate human skin easily, making them harmless. 

What do cellar spiders eat?

Cellar spiders typically eat small insects, including flies, mosquitoes, moths, and ants. They also eat other other web-building spiders. They use their webs to trap prey and inject venom to immobilize them before feeding. Since they help control household pests, they are often considered beneficial to have around.

Do cellar spiders lay a lot of eggs?

Yes, female cellar spiders lay multiple egg sacs, each containing dozens of eggs. However, not all survive to adulthood. 

Where do cellar spiders live?

These spiders prefer dark, quiet spaces where they can build irregular, tangled webs. You’ll often find them in:

• Basements
• Garages
• Crawl spaces
• Sheds
• Barns
• Under decks and porches
  
  

Why do I have so many cellar spiders in my home? 

If you’re seeing a lot of cellar spiders, your home likely offers them a perfect habitat—dark, undisturbed spaces and plenty of insects to eat.

How do you get rid of cellar spiders?

If you’ve noticed cellar spiders in your home, other insects are likely present, providing them with a steady food source. For a comprehensive solution to spiders and the pests they feed on, Pine State Pest Solutions offers effective, affordable, year-round home pest control services in several Maine counties, including Androscoggin, Kennebec, Oxford, Cumberland, and York. As a locally owned and operated company, we’re committed to keeping your home pest-free. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an inspection!

How can I prevent cellar spiders in my home?

If you’d rather not have cellar spiders in your home, here are a few tips:

• Reduce clutter: Keep basements, garages, and crawl spaces tidy to eliminate hiding spots.
• Seal cracks and gaps: Prevent entry by sealing openings around doors, windows, and foundation walls.
• Control other insects: Since cellar spiders feed on different bugs, reducing insect populations can make your home less appealing.
• Vacuum webs regularly: Removing webs helps discourage cellar spiders from settling in.
  
  

Need help with cellar spiders?

While cellar spiders are not dangerous, a large number of them can signal other pest issues. If you're dealing with unwanted spiders or other pests, Pine State Pest Solutions will help you identify the root cause and provide effective solutions.