Pest Library
Cellar Spider
Cellar spiders are the pale, spindly spiders with very long thin legs that hang upside down in loose, messy webbing in corners, crawl spaces and garage ceilings. They are harmless to people, and heavy populations are usually a sign of damp, undisturbed space with plenty of small insect prey.
Profile
- Scientific name
- Pholcidae family
- Identification
- Small pale tan or gray body, legs many times body length, loose irregular web.
- Typical size
- Body about 1/4 inch; leg span up to 2 inches.
- Behavior
- Hangs inverted in the web and vibrates rapidly when disturbed. Adds new webbing rather than rebuilding.
- Habitat
- Crawl spaces, garages, basements, bathrooms, ceiling corners and window frames.
- Diet
- Small insects and other spiders.
- Lifecycle
- Females carry loosely wrapped egg bundles in the mouthparts.
- Why it matters
- Harmless to people. They are useful indicators of moisture and insect availability in a space.
- DIY considerations
- Regular web removal plus moisture control resolves most complaints.
- Professional considerations
- Web removal and perimeter service, with moisture and lighting recommendations documented.
Signs of activity
- Accumulating loose cobwebs in ceiling corners and crawl spaces
- Pale long-legged spiders hanging inverted
- Webbing collecting dust and insect debris
Prevention
- Remove webbing regularly with a vacuum or duster
- Reduce crawl space and bathroom moisture
- Adjust exterior lighting to reduce prey insects
- Seal window and door gaps
Sources
Related information
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