Pesticides are not recommended because cellar spiders are beneficial, and each spider would require direct application of the pesticide. If cellar spider activity is observed indoors, remove spiders and egg sacs from the building and place outdoors or simply vacuum. Remove clutter which can serve as a hiding spot for spiders. Lower the relative humidity through dehumidifiers and proper ventilation in the areas where cellar spiders are found indoors. Scientists have so far identified 34 native and introduced species of cellar spiders in North America (via the University of Idaho), with the Pholcus phalangiodes, or long-bodied cellar spiders. To prevent spiders from entering homes and buildings, seal the foundation, inspect any window or door screens for holes, reduce clutter from around the foundation, and reduce any potential food sources for the spiders to keep them from entering or growing high numbers within the facility. Pholcus phalangioides (Long-bodied Cellar Spider) Family Genus Species.
They are not aggressive or dangerous, although females may become more defensive when guarding eggs. In high population levels, their extensive webbing can be a nuisance. This is the Long-bodied Cellar Spider, Pholcus phalangioides, in the family Pholcidae. Cellar spiders do not do this they simply add new webbing to old ones. Many other spiders eat their old web before producing new ones. However, in very high populations, they can be considered a pest in a building. Cellar spiders are beneficial because they feed on other insects. These spiders do not bite people or pets. Adult cellar spiders live about two years.Ĭellar spiders are not economically or medically important spiders. It usually takes a year for the adult to develop from the egg. After the spiderlings hatch, they crawl onto the mother’s body and stay there for a short time. Rather than attaching the egg sacs to their bodies, females carry them in their mouthparts. The eggs sacs contain approximately 10-60 eggs each. They can be found in heated buildings throughout the year.įemale cellar spiders produce about three eggs sacs over a lifetime. These spiders are commonly found in dark, secluded places such as cellars, basements, and caves, which explains their name. It has long and slender legs which often seem disproportionate to its tiny body.
Indoors, they are often found in damp cellars, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and dark, quiet places. The Short-Bodied Cellar Spider is scientifically known as Pholcus globosus. Close-up view of a cellar spiderOutdoors, cellar spiders are found in naturally protected areas like caves and rock piles.