Harvestman spiders, sometimes called daddy longlegs, are often mistaken for true spiders, but they belong to a separate group of arachnids. They’re common across the United States, especially in outdoor spaces like gardens, forests, and fields. While they might look a little spooky due to their long legs, they don’t pose much of a threat to people. That said, a harvestman spider infestation can become a nuisance in and around the home.
Despite the name, harvestmen are not true spiders but a different kind of arachnid, more closely related to scorpions. The most common U.S. species is Phalangium opilio. Harvestmen have a small body, usually 1/8 to 3/8 inch long, with a light gray or brown upper surface and a cream underside. They do not spin webs or produce venom. Even so, their long legs and tendency to gather in large numbers can make them unsettling around sheds, garages, or crawlspaces.
Call now to book your free inspection.
Harvestman spiders are outdoor arachnids that follow a seasonal life cycle and thrive in moist, sheltered environments. Learning where they live, what they eat, how they develop, and when they are most active can help explain why they sometimes gather in large numbers around homes and gardens.
Harvestman spiders live in a range of outdoor habitats, including fields, forests, gardens, meadows, and wooded areas. They are often found in moist, shaded places with plenty of cover, such as under logs, rocks, bark, mulch, or leaf litter. They may also gather near buildings when damp conditions and food sources are available. Unlike true spiders, they do not build webs or nests and instead move freely in search of shelter and food.
Harvestman spiders feed on a wide variety of food sources. They commonly eat soft-bodied arthropods such as aphids, caterpillars, beetle larvae, and small slugs. Their omnivorous diet also extends to decaying plant matter, fungi, dead animals, and even bird droppings. Their feeding habits can help reduce some garden pest populations.
Harvestman spiders go through a simple lifecycle that lines up closely with the seasons. After mating in late summer or early fall, females look for moist, sheltered areas to lay their eggs. These eggs remain in the soil through the colder months and hatch when temperatures rise.
Each spring, a new generation emerges, starting the cycle again. While their numbers are usually limited to one generation per year, the right conditions, like consistent moisture and food, can support larger populations, increasing the chances of a harvestman spider infestation.
You’re most likely to see harvestman spiders in late summer and early fall. This is when they gather in large groups, often around buildings, fences, or vegetation. These groupings are mostly harmless but can look alarming. During winter, they die off or remain hidden, while their eggs overwinter in the soil.
Keeping outdoor areas tidy is the most effective way to prevent a harvestman spider infestation. Remove leaf piles, trim back overgrown plants, and seal any cracks in walls or siding. Reducing moisture around the home also makes the space less inviting for harvestman species looking to lay eggs.
DIY methods like removing hiding spots and using outdoor lighting wisely can reduce the number of harvestman spiders you see. However, these steps often only offer short-term relief. For long-term protection and peace of mind, especially if you’re dealing with a recurring infestation, we recommend getting in touch with us so our team can assess the area and help control the problem at the source.
Yes, harvestman spiders don’t pose any threat to people or pets. They don’t have venom or fangs, and they’re not aggressive.
They can be. Since they feed on soft-bodied pests like aphids and beetle larvae, harvestman spiders help reduce populations of unwanted insects in gardens and natural areas.
This shaking motion, sometimes called ‘leg trembling’ or ‘bobbing’, is a defense behavior. It helps confuse predators or signals a warning to other harvestman species nearby.
No. Unlike true spiders, harvestman spiders don’t have venom glands or the ability to bite. If you do notice skin irritation after contact, it's best to check with a healthcare professional, as it may be unrelated.
Some harvestman species, including Phalangium opilio, can release a mild odor when threatened. This is part of their natural defense and isn’t harmful, though it may be noticeable if you disturb a large group.