Identifying Cellar Spiders in Florida
Cellar spiders are inconspicuous, harmless, fragile spiders with extremely long, thin legs. They are sometimes referred to as daddy longlegs spiders, which are quite different and unrelated. Some species of cellar spiders are very common in homes, especially in garages, basements, and cellars, hence the common name. These spiders can be seen in corners and ceilings, usually hanging belly-up. Cellar spiders are the natural enemy of large house spiders that live in homes, and will also feed on flies, bees, wasps, and even other cellar spiders when food is scarce.
Cellar spiders have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other common house spiders in the state. Typically, their bodies are about 1/4 inch long, with legs reaching up to 2 inches. They are usually pale yellow, light brown, or gray, and their slender bodies are covered with a fine layer of hair, giving them a somewhat fuzzy appearance.
Where in Florida Do Cellar Spiders Live?
In nature, cellar spiders usually live in the openings of caves or crevices in cliffs and other protected places. Cellar spiders thrive in environments with moisture and darkness, making many parts of Florida ideal for habitation. Given Florida’s humid climate, these spiders are commonly found in residential areas where moisture accumulates. Indoors are often found in damp cellars, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and dark, quiet places such as attics and closets. Cellar spiders build irregular, messy webs, are highly sensitive to vibrations, and will rapidly close in on an unsuspecting insect if it wanders into their web. Male and female cellar spiders may be found in climate-controlled structures year-round. Outdoors and cellar spiders might inhabit shaded areas like under decks, in sheds, or within piles of debris and leaves.
In urban areas of Florida, cellar spiders have adapted well to human environments. They are widespread in older buildings where cracks and crevices offer ideal nesting sites. The high humidity levels in coastal areas also contribute to their prevalence in this region.
How Common Are Cellar Spiders in Florida?
Cellar spiders are common throughout Florida. Their presence is often more noticeable in the wet and humid seasons, which provide ideal conditions for their survival and reproduction. As one of Florida’s most prevalent house spiders, it’s not unusual for residents to encounter them frequently.
These spiders are found in residential areas and common in commercial buildings and warehouses where similar environmental conditions exist. Due to their non-aggressive nature and relatively harmless status compared to other spider species, many people might not be aware of their presence unless they actively look for them.
The population of cellar spiders can increase significantly if their environment is unchecked. Areas with high humidity and minimal disturbances can see a higher concentration of these spiders. Regular cleaning can be challenging, and moisture control effectively keeps their numbers at bay.
Are Cellar Spiders Dangerous?
Although cellar spiders do have venom, they aren’t a cause for concern. Historically, cellar spiders are not known to bite humans and, therefore, do not pose a health threat. Cellar spiders are considered nuisance pests, due to the large amounts of webbing they produce. Many species of spiders consume their old web before making a new one, but cellar spiders do not. They continuously add to it, creating large amounts of webbing which becomes a nuisance to remove and an eyesore in homes and commercial buildings. Regular cleaning and web removal are essential to managing their presence in homes and buildings.
Cellar spiders are very reluctant to bite humans. Their small fangs are not strong enough to penetrate human skin easily. Even if a bite occurs, the venom of a cellar spider is mild and typically results in no more than minor irritation or redness at the site.
Cellar spiders can still be distressing for individuals with arachnophobia or those who prefer not to have spiders around. We are here to help—our Florida spider exterminators can take on the challenge and provide peace of mind by managing these and other common house spiders in Florida.
If you are dealing with cellar spider problems in your home, contact your local spider exterminators.
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FAQs
What do Cellar Spiders Eat in Florida?
Cellar spiders primarily feed on small insects and other arthropods such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, beetles, and even other spiders. Their predatory behavior helps control the population of various pests within homes.
Are Cellar Spiders Harmful in Florida?
No, cellar spiders are not harmful to humans. Their venom is mild, and their fangs are too small to cause serious injury. They are non-aggressive and rarely bite, posing no significant threat to people. The primary concern with cellar spiders is their unsightly webs, which can be managed with regular cleaning.
How Can You Prevent Cellar Spiders in Florida Homes?
To prevent cellar spiders in Florida homes, it’s essential to reduce moisture levels using dehumidifiers, seal entry points, maintain regular cleaning, and keep the home’s perimeter free from debris. Natural or chemical repellents can also help. However, these essential remedies may not be enough to entirely prevent cellar spiders from invading your home.
For a more comprehensive solution, consider contacting us for expert Florida spider control. Our professional services are designed to effectively manage and prevent cellar spider infestations.
