Cellar Spiders

Cellar spider is the most common of the Pholcidae in the United States.They have very long, thin legs.Cellar spiders are also one of the more common spiders that infests warehouses.approximately 20 species of cellar spiders found in the United States and Canada.

The female long-bodied cellar spider is approximately 1/4-5/16 inch long with legs extending another 2 inches. The female short-bodied cellar spider has a 1/16 inch long body with legs extending about 5/16 inch.

The eyes are arranged in two triads of larger, light-colored eyes on the top of the cephalothorax and a pair of dark, small eyes on the front. The color of the carapace and abdomen is a pale tan or yellow with a gray mark in the center of the carapace.

Cellar spiders are frequently found in dark, damp places such as cellars, basements, crawlspaces, and outbuildings.They typically construct a loose, irregular-shaped web in a dark corner. Cellar spiders continually add to their web, which can result in extensive webbing. The male and female live together in a web and can be found hanging upside down in it. They shake the web violently when alarmed. Cellar spiders can quickly establish large populations in a structure.

Life Cycle :Female long-bodied cellar spiders produce about three egg sacs over a lifetime, each containing 13-60 eggs each. The short-bodied cellar spider females produces about 10-27 eggs per case. Both species carry the egg sacs in their mouthparts instead of attaching them to the web like many other spiders. Once the eggs hatch the spiderlings crawl onto the mother’s body for a short time. Development from egg to adult usually takes about one year. Adult cellar spiders may live for an additional two years.

Control: Spider webs, egg sacs, and individual spiders can be removed with a broom or vacuum. This can be very effective in reducing the number of spiders in a relatively short time. Removing the webbing also allows for easy reference of future spider activity.

By sealing cracks and crevices around doors and windows or other entry points, insect and spider access into the structure will be deterred. Installing weatherstripping and a proper threshold with a door sweep can prevent access into the building

One key feature of spider control is to reduce the available food source. Adequate insect control through proper sanitation, maintenance and insecticide use will help prevent spiders from becoming established. Lowering the relative humidity in the area where cellar spiders are found may help eliminate them because lower humidity will deter insects from entering the building. Humidity can be controlled in many ways such as a dehumidifier or through proper ventilation

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