Are Daddy Long Legs the “Most Venomous Spider in the World”?

No, far from it! There’s not even a kernel of truth to this. Daddy long-leg spiders do have venom, but their fangs are different from traditional spider fangs. They can bite you, but daddy long-leg bites on humans are extremely rare and harmless.

Why Are We Asking This?

With Oklahoma’s relatively mild climate, spiders can be a year-round issue. Sure, spider populations may spike in the summer, but if they’re living in your home already, seasonal temperature variance doesn’t matter too much. Recently, we posted a spider “meme” on social media highlighting the most common spiders you’re likely to find in your house. Our post read, “Here’s a little cheat sheet to help you identify your new roommate.”

While most comments were lighthearted and fun, there were of course a few spirited debates and misconceptions… specifically, about the Daddy Longlegs. So I along with our certified Entomologist decided to take some time to debunk one particularly common misconception. Are daddy longlegs spiders really the “most venomous spider in the world?”

What Are Daddy Long Leg Spiders?

First off, it’s important to know that two types of insects can be found in this region that is referred to as “Daddy Long-Legs”. 

• A species in the order Opiliones, commonly known as Harvestmen

• A species in the family Pholcidae, commonly known as Cellar Spiders

Do Daddy Long-Legs Bite?

Cellar spiders have short fangs and weak jaw muscles, meaning it’s unlikely their bite can pierce human skin. If they do manage to inject their venom into you, the good news is that it’s nontoxic to humans. Harvestmen spiders do not bite.

Can Daddy Long-Legs Kill You?

No! According to Rick Vetter of the University of California at Riverside, the daddy long-legs spider has never harmed a human and there is no evidence that they are dangerous to humans.

Why Do People Think Daddy Long Legs Are the “Most Venomous Spider in the World”?

This notion is an “old wive’s tale,” which means that nobody knows how it got started, but it’s been passed around as fact for generations. So let’s explore where this might have come from and why. 

Most likely, it’s because cellar spiders are known to prey on brown recluse and black widow spiders, among other types of spiders. Since brown recluses and black widows are extremely dangerous spiders with venom that can send you to the hospital, we imagine that people took it to mean that cellar spiders must be even more venomous. The truth is they’re not – they’re just well adapted to hunt these much more dangerous spiders.

What to Do About Cellar Spiders and Daddy Long Legs in Your House

If you have cellar spiders or harvestmen spiders in your house, there’s no need to worry. They are perfectly harmless, and in the case of cellar spiders, they can even help you out with the removal of much more harmful species. 

If you’ve been dealing with spiders in your home and just want some relief, our spider control services can help. We offer free quotes and comprehensive inspections, so call us today to set up your service!