Cellar spider identification
These spiders have very long, thin legs and small pale tan, gray, or brown bodies, often around ⅛–⅜ inch long depending on species. The abdomen may be elongated or rounded. They often hang upside down and vibrate rapidly when disturbed. Harvestmen, also called daddy longlegs, have a single-looking rounded body and do not build capture webs. Cellar spiders have two distinct body regions and are not brown recluses despite occasional confusion about their long legs.
Where you'll find it in Atlanta homes
In Atlanta homes, cellar spiders favor crawl spaces, basements, garages, utility rooms, and quiet ceiling corners. Sheltered porches and outbuildings can also hold their loose webs. Humid conditions and available prey often support activity, while indoor shelter allows sightings throughout the year. Georgia’s warm months may increase the insects reaching these areas, but a cellar spider in a dry upstairs corner does not by itself prove a leak or serious moisture problem.
Prevention tips
- Vacuum reachable webs and egg clusters regularly.
- Reduce stored clutter along basement and garage walls.
- Repair screens and gaps around exterior doors.
- Correct leaks and excessive crawl-space humidity.
- Use gloves when moving long-undisturbed storage items.
When to call a professional
Call when spider numbers are persistent, damp storage spaces also have insect activity, or identification is unclear. Allsect starts with an inspection to confirm the pest, locate activity, and identify conditions supporting it. Allsect would inspect moisture, access points, and prey before offering an honest recommendation; isolated cellar spiders usually call for web removal rather than broad treatment. You will receive an honest recommendation based on the findings, including whether monitoring or simple repairs may be enough.
Common questions
Are daddy longlegs highly venomous?
The common story that cellar spiders are dangerously venomous but unable to bite people is misleading. They are not considered medically significant to people. The nickname also applies to harvestmen and other animals, so identification is more useful than the nickname.
Why do they shake in the web?
Cellar spiders often vibrate when disturbed, which can blur their outline and help deter threats. This behavior is not a sign they are preparing to attack. Leave them alone or remove accessible webs without handling the spider directly.