Are Daddy Longlegs Poisonous?

IIf you live in a rural area or you’ve ever gone camping, chances are you’ve come across this strange, spindly creature: the Daddy Longlegs. You’ll often find them huddled in groups in corners or under leaves, moving slowly on their long legs.

They have a creepy reputation—and many people believe they’re venomous. But is there any truth to that? And what exactly are Daddy Longlegs, anyway?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Daddy Longlegs “Spider”?

To start, let’s clear up one of the most common misconceptions: Daddy Longlegs aren’t actually spiders.

Although they’re often lumped into the spider category, these creatures are part of a separate group of arachnids known as Opiliones, commonly referred to as Harvestmen.

Unlike true spiders, Daddy Longlegs have a single, fused body segment, not two. They also have just two eyes instead of eight and can’t spin webs or produce silk. They’re usually brown or gray and easily recognized by their small, rounded body and long, thin legs—like stilts on a slow-moving insect.

They may look a bit like spiders, but calling a Daddy Longlegs a spider is like calling a butterfly a beetle. It’s just not accurate.

That said, they are still arachnids—just a different kind. Think of them as a spider’s distant cousin.

These arachnids are officially classified under the order Opiliones and are often referred to as Harvestmen because they tend to appear in the fall.

Are Daddy Longlegs Dangerous?

“There’s a long-standing myth that Daddy Longlegs are extremely venomous, but their fangs are ‘too small to bite.’ This common myth has been debunked by entomologists.”

Here’s the simple answer: no, Daddy Longlegs are not dangerous to humans or pets.

There’s a long-standing myth that Daddy Longlegs are one of the most venomous creatures on Earth, but they “can’t bite humans” because their fangs are too small. This is 100% false.

Daddy Longlegs don’t have venom glands at all. They don’t even have fangs. They may look spooky to some, but they are completely harmless.

So, if you’ve been told not to touch them because they’re “too venomous,” you can go ahead and let that myth go.

It’s important to note the difference between venomous and poisonous creatures. Poison is absorbed or ingested, while venom is injected.

What Do Daddy Longlegs Eat?

One of the coolest things about Harvestmen is their diet. These little guys are actually helpful to have around.

They feed on small insects like aphids and even other spiders. If they can’t find live prey, they’ll scavenge decaying plant matter or insect eggs. Think of them as nature’s tiny clean-up crew.

Because they help manage pest populations, many people appreciate having them in their garden.

Harvestmen vs. Cellar Spiders: What’s the Difference?

Much of the confusion around Daddy Longlegs comes from the fact that several different species are often given that name.

The biggest mix-up? The Cellar Spider, which is a true spider from the Pholcidae family. Like Harvestmen, Cellar Spiders have long legs and small bodies—but they’re entirely different species.

Cellar Spiders do spin webs, live indoors, and can bite (though they’re not dangerous to humans either). If you’re seeing a lot of long-legged creatures inside your home, you’re likely dealing with Cellar Spiders—not true Daddy Longlegs.

Other spiders that are often mistakenly called Daddy Longlegs include the Yellow Sac Spider, Common House Spider, False Black Widow, and Running Crab Spiders.

So, what’s the takeaway?
If you're looking for accurate info online, try searching for “harvestman” rather than “Daddy Longlegs.” It’ll help you avoid confusion and get the right facts.

What If You Find a Daddy Longlegs in Your House?

Here’s the good news: true Daddy Longlegs rarely enter homes.

They prefer the outdoors, especially shaded, damp areas with plenty of food. If you do find one inside, it’s likely a one-time visitor—or it may actually be a Cellar Spider.

If you’re dealing with a real indoor spider problem, Pure Pest can help with targeted spider extermination.

But if you do spot a harvestman indoors and want it gone, there’s no need to panic. They aren’t aggressive and won’t bite. You can gently remove it with a broom or use a cup and piece of paper to carry it outside.

They’ll be much happier back in your yard than stuck inside anyway.

Weird but True: They Can Lose a Leg and Keep Going

One strange ability Harvestmen have? They can drop a leg if it gets caught.

It’s a survival tactic called autotomy, and while the leg won’t grow back, the Daddy Longlegs learns to move on without it. So if you ever spot one walking around on seven legs, now you know—it’s not broken, just built for resilience.

Final Thoughts

So, are Daddy Longlegs dangerous? Not at all.

They’re not venomous, they’re not spiders, and they’re not interested in invading your home. They’re slow, harmless scavengers that help clean up your garden and keep other bugs in check.

That said, if you’re seeing long-legged creatures around your house and you're not sure whether they’re spiders or Harvestmen—or you just want them gone—we’re happy to help.

👉 Contact Pure Pest + Lawn for expert pest identification and safe, effective treatment options.