Daddy long-leg spiders
A common spider in many Australian homes, the Daddy Long-legs (phalangioides) is what’s called a tangle-web spider.
This means they will build their nests in a sheltered area of your home so as not to be disturbed. Typically Daddy Long-leg spiders will build their webs under furniture, behind doors and refrigerators, in the corner of ceilings and in sheds, carports and garages.
What do Daddy Long-leg spiders look like?
Daddy Long-legs are a very recognisable spider due to their wide distribution throughout Australian households. They have a small body with exceptionally long legs. Their bodies vary from cream to brown and depending on the species can have dark markings on their abdomen.
Diet and Habitat
The Daddy Long-legs will feed on other spiders, insects and even the eggs of other spiders. They will sometimes make their way into other spider webs and mimic trapped prey to lure out the host, which they then devour. Daddy Long-legs have even been known to attack Redbacks and Huntsmans.
Urban Myths about the Daddy Long-legs
It’s often stated that Daddy Long-leg spiders are the most venomous spiders in the world, yet they’re unable to deliver a bite to humans as their fangs are too short. This simply is not true. Whilst we do not know when or how this urban myth originated, it’s likely it became told because of the Daddy Long-legs ability to kill and eat Redback spiders and huntsman spiders.
Pest Control Options for Daddy Long-legs
Because they’re so common around Australia, people are often looking for daddy long legs spider pest control options in Brisbane. Daddy Long-legs also live for up to three years in which time they can lay up to 400 eggs.
Because of their tendency to like small, confined spaces, Daddy Long-legs can be difficult to spot until you start moving furniture, boxes or other items in your home which they like to build their webs on and around.
If you’re serious about Daddy Long-leg pest control, calling us and having us conduct a pest control treatment on your home is the best way to get rid of Daddy Long-leg spiders from your home.
