October, the month of cool fall air and spooky festivities, also reminds us that spider season is upon us. As spiders roam our homes in search of shelter, they elicit mixed reactions from people. A very special spider (or is it even one?), the harvestman, carries with it numerous misunderstandings. As Halloween approaches, we'll unravel the mystery surrounding these creatures, decide whether they're friend or foe, and what you should do if you see a harvestman.

October, the month of cool fall air and spooky festivities, also reminds us that spider season is upon us. As spiders roam our homes in search of shelter, they elicit mixed reactions from people. A very special spider (or is it even one?), the harvestman, carries with it numerous misunderstandings. As Halloween approaches, we'll unravel the mystery surrounding these creatures, decide whether they're friend or foe, and what you should do if you see a harvestman.

Spider Season: The Truth About Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Long Legs, also known as harvestmen or weavers, are particularly present in October. As part of the autumn atmosphere and spooky festivities, these spiders remind us that spider season has begun. When the eight-legged friends go looking for shelter, many of them find themselves in our houses. This elicits mixed reactions from people. But what about the widespread myths about Daddy Long Legs? As Halloween approaches, let's discover the truth about these creatures and find out whether they are friend or foe and how you should act if you encounter Daddy Long Legs.

The Truth About Daddy Long Legs

You might think you know what a Daddy Long Legs looks like. However, the term actually refers to three different creatures. Only one of them is a real spider, while the others belong to completely different families.

1. Weberknechte: Nicht das, was du denkst

Contrary to popular belief, harvestmen are not spiders, but belong to the insect family. Karl Curtis, a key figure at the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, clarifies that harvestmen are actually more related to flies than to arachnids. They emerge at this time of year after spending most of their lives as larvae in the soil. Now they emerge to find mates and lay eggs before their life cycle ends.

Because of their noticeably long legs, these creatures are often mistaken for spiders. Curtis explains: "They're often confused with spiders, but they're not, they're flies. They're a really good food source for birds." Rather than viewing them as pests, Curtis advocates for catching and releasing them, emphasizing their ecological importance. Additionally, harvestmen do not actively seek out space in your home, but are attracted to warmth and light. These insects play a crucial role in natural pest control by preying on snails, worms and even other spiders.

1. Zitterspinnen: Die eigentlichen Spinnen der Gruppe

If you spot a spider with spindly legs in the corner of your room, you're probably looking at a tremor spider. “The very thin spiders that you find in the corners of your room are called trembling spiders,” describes Curtis.

True to their name, trembling spiders often nest in basements and other low-traffic areas. There is a popular myth that these spiders have powerful venom, but their undersized jaws are unable to penetrate human skin. However, this idea can be refuted as trembling spiders are mostly harmless and would only bite when threatened, causing mild irritation that can be easily treated.

1. Weberinnen: Keine Spinnen, aber nahe Verwandte

Similar to harvestmen, weavers, also known as opilionids, are not spiders, although they look spider-like. Although they share the name “Daddy Long Legs,” they differ from spiders in many ways. For example, they don't spin webs, don't produce venom, and only have two eyes.

Interestingly, weavers are known for their unique grooming technique called leg threading, where they pull their long legs through their mouths. These creatures are opportunistic feeders and feed on decaying organic material and even other dead insects. An interesting trait they possess is the ability to shed their legs to escape predators, a method similar to the behavior of some lizards that lose their tails.

What to do if you see Daddy Long Legs

It's a natural human reaction: the sudden appearance of an unexpected creature in our homes often leads to an immediate desire to remove it. Especially if the creature has long, outstretched legs, like most Daddy Long Legs. The fear and misunderstanding that surrounds these creatures often leads to untimely demise at the hands of frightened people. But is that really the best way?

Understanding instead of fear

First, it is important to understand the nature of the creature you are dealing with. The term "Daddy Long Legs" is a common nickname that can refer to various creatures, few of which pose a threat to humans. By recognizing their ecological importance, particularly as a food source for many birds, we can change our perspective. Instead of viewing them as pests, we can appreciate their role in the larger ecosystem and give them the respect they deserve.

Catch and release

Instead of killing, catching and releasing is a humane and environmentally responsible solution. If a harvestman has found its way into your home, it is likely seeking warmth or has been attracted to the lights. They are not there to harm or harass you. Gently capturing them with a glass and a piece of paper and then releasing them outside can be a simple and friendly solution.

The situation is similar with trembling spiders. They are mostly harmless and can be relocated in a similar manner to harvestmen if their presence bothers you.

Weavers, who are nocturnal, may surprise you in poorly lit areas of your home. Remember that they are more afraid of you than you are of them. Like the other two, they can be safely taken outside.

Rethinking pesticides: Natural insect repellent

When we encounter insects in our homes, our instinct is often to reach for a pesticide spray, especially when our knowledge of the creature's harmlessness is limited. But the careless use of pesticides is not a solution. Not only do these chemicals harm insects that play an important role in our ecosystem, like the misunderstood daddy long legs, but they also pose potential risks to our health.

It is entirely possible to deter or combat these creatures in a natural way without causing them or us any inconvenience. By using natural repellents, we can create a balance in which people and insects coexist harmoniously without harming each other or the environment.

1. Ätherische Öle: Viele ätherische Öle wirken effektiv gegen Insekten.

– Peppermint oil: Spiders especially dislike the smell of peppermint oil. A mixture of 15-20 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle can be sprayed in areas where spiders often frequent.
– Lemon and eucalyptus oil: A combination of these two oils can act as a repellent against many insects. However, make sure they are mixed with a carrier oil or water before using them.

1. Diatomaceous earth: This is a natural substance made from crushed fossil algae. It is non-toxic to humans but deadly to insects. Sprinkle it around the foundation of your home or in areas where pests might enter.

2. Vinegar: Spiders don't like the strong smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to corners, window ledges, and entryways to deter them.

3. Citrus Fruit Peels: Similar to vinegar, spiders are also not fans of citrus fruits. Rubbing citrus fruit peels in areas where spiders frequent can act as a repellent. In addition, it leaves a pleasant scent!

4. Cedar: Cedar blocks or chips can be used in cabinets, wardrobes, and drawers to deter moths and other insects. The aromatic scent of cedar wood is not liked by many pests.