Cellar Spiders In Kansas City
Cellar spiders, also known as daddy longlegs or pholcids, are a type of arachnid that are found throughout the world. They are characterized by their long, thin legs and small, round bodies, which are usually less than 10mm in length.
Cellar spiders are commonly found in dark, damp places such as basements, caves, and cellars, hence their name. They are known for their web-building skills and can often be found hanging upside down in their webs, which are irregular in shape and lack the characteristic spiral pattern seen in other spiders’ webs.
While cellar spiders are often considered to be harmless to humans, their venom has not been well-studied and there is some debate over their potential toxicity. However, they are generally considered to be beneficial to humans because they feed on a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and other pests.
Cellar spiders are a fascinating species with several interesting adaptations. One of their unique features is their ability to vibrate their webs in response to potential predators, making them difficult to catch. They can also detach their legs if they become entangled in their webs, allowing them to escape from predators or free themselves from sticky situations.
In terms of their reproductive behavior, male cellar spiders have a unique method of courtship. They will often approach a female while she is in her web and vibrate the strands, producing a specific type of signal that indicates their intent to mate. If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to approach and mate with her.
In addition to their beneficial role in controlling pest populations, cellar spiders have also been used in medical research due to their unique immune system. They are able to produce a wide variety of antimicrobial compounds, making them a potential source of new antibiotics.
Overall, cellar spiders are a fascinating and useful species that play an important role in the ecosystem. While they may be considered pests by some, their benefits in controlling insect populations and their potential medical applications make them a valuable part of the natural world.
How To Get Rid of Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders are generally harmless and can even be beneficial in controlling insect populations, so it is not always necessary to get rid of them. However, if their presence is causing a problem, there are a few steps you can take to reduce their numbers:
Clean and declutter: Cellar spiders are attracted to clutter and dark, damp environments, so removing clutter and excess moisture from your basement or cellar can help discourage them from taking up residence.
Seal up cracks and gaps: Cellar spiders can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in walls and windows, so sealing up these entry points can help keep them out.
Remove their food source: Cellar spiders feed on insects, so reducing the population of their prey can help reduce the number of spiders. This can be done by using insecticides or other pest control methods.
Use sticky traps: Sticky traps can be used to capture cellar spiders without harming them. These can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement stores.
Use a vacuum cleaner: If you prefer to remove the spiders yourself, a vacuum cleaner can be used to suck them up and dispose of them outside.
It’s important to note that cellar spiders are not dangerous and are beneficial in controlling insect populations, so it’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals or methods that could harm them.
