The Myth Of The Granddaddy Long Legs

Ten Myths Commonly Believed

The ironic thing about them is that so much is misunderstood, and many people have created myths that have made them way more dangerous than truthful.

Myth #1: They’re Spiders and Their Technical Name is Granddaddy Long Legs

You may easily assume it’s a spider when you see a creepy crawler with long, spindly legs. While Granddaddy long legs are arachnids that are distantly related, they aren’t spiders. They have no spinnerets and can’t make silk or spin webs. Spiders also have distinguishing features that aren’t shared with granddaddy long legs.

You might be surprised to find that their scientific name is Opiliones, a Latin word for harvester. It stems from the fact that they’re often seen in large clusters during autumn’s harvest. Most people in the US call them granddaddy long legs, but you’ll also hear terms like leggy crawlers, harvestmen, or huntsman spiders.

Myth #2: They Have More Venom Than Any Other Spider in the World

It’s a tall tale to say that these arachnids have more venom than the brown recluse. Granddaddy long legs don’t have venom glands, so they can’t produce toxins. If one crawls up your arm while you’re outside, you’re not in danger of being bitten.

That wouldn’t be the case if your nosey visitor were a spider like a black widow. The Sydney funnel-web spider is the most venomous, and this is undoubtedly one spider you don’t want to encounter. Thankfully, they’re not around these parts, but if you go to the Land Down Under, it’s possible for such a meeting.

If you’ve ever wondered what spiders hold the record for being the most venomous, here’s a shocking list:

• Yellow sac spider
• Brazilian wandering spider
• Goliath bird eater tarantula
• Camel spider
• Six-eyed Sand spider
• Mouse spider
• Brown recluse spider
• Brown widow spider
• Red widow spider
• Black widow spider
• Redback spider
• Funnel-web spider

Remember that just because these distant cousins have high levels of venom in their bodies doesn’t mean they’re considered medically dangerous. Many of them will avoid you, and if they happen to cross your path, the chances are they won’t bite. However, it’s a whole other ball game for the widow and recluse family.

Myth #3: They Have Tiny Fangs That Aren’t Big Enough to Bite You

You’ve probably heard this common urban legend since you were a kid. Not only do harvesters not have any venom glands or venom, but they also don’t even have fangs. Instead, these arachnids capture prey with their spindly legs and use their mouthpiece to rip it apart.

They’ll eat live prey or dead ones equally. The myth could be true if you say their mouthpiece is too tiny to bite you. The good news is that you’ll never be in the emergency room because of a granddaddy long leg bite.

Just because they can’t bite and aren’t venomous doesn’t mean they are defenseless. If predators threaten them, granddaddy long legs emit a toxic liquid to repel them. They also use this substance to communicate with their own kind chemically. It is possible that a human could have a mild or severe allergic reaction to this liquid, but it would be a rare occurrence.

Myth #4: If a Granddaddy Long Leg Loses a Leg, it will Regrow

Here is a disturbing myth that may have led to many kids cruelly pulling the limbs of these arachnids. No, granddaddy long legs won’t regrow a limb if it’s been lost. Some creatures, like starfish and lizards, can regenerate lost limbs or tails, but this is not the case for these long-legged critters.

They’ll often lose legs due to escaping predators or males fighting each other. If you see a granddaddy long leg missing a leg, be assured that it won’t grow back, but it will adapt to survive.

Myth #5: Harvesters Use Their Long Legs to Travel Great Distances

It stands to reason that granddaddy long legs would take advantage of their lengthy limbs and see the World. Would you be surprised to discover that they don’t move too much farther than the area where they live? Their safety depends on excellent camouflage and hiding skills and they spend most of their time concealed in cracks and crevices outdoors. Though, they occasionally make their way indoors.

These long-legged creepers only venture out of hiding to hunt prey, scavenge for food, or mate. If you have clusters of granddaddy long legs living in your New Jersey yard, outbuildings, or your home, they probably were born there and are well acclimated to the area and don’t want to leave.

Myth #6: Granddaddy Long Legs are Blind

There’s a tale that these long-legged spiders are blind. While they don’t have good vision, they certainly can see. Their simple eyes allow them to see light and perhaps some blurry shadows. Still, they feel at home in dark attics, damp basements, or crawl spaces. They often use their legs to sense vibrations from the world around them.

Myth #7: Harvesters Can Carry Disease

Besides being a creepy nuisance, harvesters can’t destroy anything in your house, and they don’t carry disease. Of course, they can emit tiny amounts of a nasty repellant and often hang out in dirt and dust. You don’t want them crawling over your furniture, clothing, or pantry.

Granddaddy long legs often bathe themselves by drawing each leg through their mouthpiece. It rids them of microscopic parasites. However, their cleaning rituals probably won’t make you feel any better if they get into your home.

Myth #8: Granddaddy Long Legs are Outdoor Pests

While you don’t want these critters climbing in your home, they greatly benefit outdoors. Harvesters snack on many insects, their eggs, and worms that harm your yard and garden. They also do a great job cleaning up dead bugs and even small animal droppings. As long as they’re not inside invading your living space, you probably won’t give them a second thought.

Myth #9: Granddaddy Long Legs Can Offer Directions

This strange old wives’ tale was probably invented more for amusement than as assumed fact. If you were raised in rural New Jersey, you may have heard that granddaddy long legs can help you find your lost cattle. In some versions, it is other animals or sometimes helping to find your way home.

According to the tale, you ask the spider to point the way to where your animals have gone. The helpful arachnid will amazingly lift one of its spindly legs in the right direction. Granddaddy long legs may be a friend in the garden, but they don’t track farm animals and aren’t a natural GPS. While it’s comical to think about this old tale, it’s just a fable built on nothing more than superstition.

Myth #10: All Harvesters Die Out in the Winter

Winters in the Garden State can be brutal, and many outdoor crawlers don’t survive. Although many granddaddy long legs perish in the cold, even more survive. Millions of years of existence have built quite a resilience in these crawling arachnids, and they have been known to live through the coldest months in many parts of the world.

Gathering in large groups is one of their best survival mechanisms in frigid weather. These mounds of granddaddy long legs use each other to keep safe and warm. You may see such gatherings in your outbuildings, garages, or house eaves. These mounds of harvesters are harmless, but they look like something out of an old horror show all crowded together.

Ways to Keep Harvesters Out of Your House

Your home is your castle, and you don’t want it invaded by creepy crawlers, whether they’re dangerous or not. Rural homes may be more susceptible to invading granddaddy long legs. However, many species are comfortable in city yards and may sneak past your front door.

Generally, these arachnids prefer the outdoors where they can hide under rocks and in brush and find plenty of food. They may camp on your porch or the sides if they live close to your house. Sometimes, they may venture inside to set up housekeeping. Here are some ways you can keep them outside where they belong.

1. Block Potential Entry Ways

Harvesters vary in size according to species and only look big because of their long, thin legs. Since they are hiding experts, they have no problem squeezing through tight places. Keep granddaddy long legs at bay by sealing and caulking any cracks or crevices in your foundation and around doors and windows.

2. Clear Brush

Another favorite harvester dwelling is dense brush and woodpiles. Keep the hedges around your home neatly trimmed, and make sure you always remove dead leaves or brush. Keep wood piles away from your porch, and always check your potted plants to ensure their roots are in good shape and not waterlogged or have decay.

3. Get Rid of Moisture

Granddaddy long legs thrive in dark, damp environments and may be tempted to creep into your cellar, basement, or crawl spaces. Consider installing a sump pump and a dehumidifier in these places if you have a problem with moisture. Periodically check for leaky pipes under the sink, the bathroom, or the basement and repair or replace them. Avoid leaving standing water anywhere in the house.

4. Use Natural Repellants

Before buying expensive sprays, try some natural remedies to see if you can keep the harvesters away. Here are a few suggestions.

• Essential Oils: Some of your favorite essential oils are repulsive to harvesters and other pesky arachnids and insects. Fill a small spray bottle with vodka and add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or mint. Spritz it in corners, under sinks, or in the bathroom to send these pests on the run. While essential oils are generally safe, some may be harmful to your pets or those in your family with allergies. Do some research to see which essential oils are pet friendly.
• Vinegar: Another natural product that many folks rely on is vinegar. It is inexpensive, all-natural, and completely safe for the environment. Vinegar can be used for chores like cleaning and laundry. Did you know that it can also repel pests like harvesters? Pour some apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and spray wherever you notice granddaddy long legs hanging around your house.
• Boric Acid: Boric acid is another product many people use to rid their homes of pests such as ants, roaches, and spiders. It can also keep granddaddy long legs away. Just be careful to sprinkle it in places your children or pets can’t reach.
• Diatomaceous Earth: DE is a lifesaver for gardeners, farmers, and any household. It is composed of tiny fossilized marine life ground into a powder. While it’s completely safe and non-toxic to people, animals, and plants, it’s deadly for invading insects or arachnids. If they get DE powder on them, the microscopic grains will cut through their exoskeleton, causing them to dry up and die quickly.
• Vacuum Cleaner: Regarding house cleaning, your vacuum cleaner is your best friend. It can pull dust and dirt from your carpet and floors, and you can use attachments to clean upholstery and curtains. You can vacuum all the disgusting dust bunnies and cobwebs hiding in corners and under your furniture. Use your handy vacuum cleaner to suck up pesky harvesters wherever they gather quickly. Afterward, empty the bag or dust compartment into an outside trash can.

When to Call the Pros

The Garden City has countless plants, animals, and other critters. While they play vital roles in the wild, you don’t want them in your home. Granddaddy long legs are beneficial in the yard but are disgusting indoors. If harvesters have invaded your peaceful New Jersey domain, call our experienced exterminators today. Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians can discuss the best plan of action to get rid of these creepy crawlers once and for all.

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