The search for scents that repel “daddy long legs” often leads to natural, non-toxic household remedies for managing their presence. These long-legged arachnids are typically found indoors in undisturbed, damp areas like basements and garages. While strong odors are suggested to deter these creatures, effective management relies on understanding their biology. This article provides practical insights into using scent and environmental control to manage their presence.
Clarifying the Identity of “Daddy Long Legs”
The term “daddy long legs” is a confusing common name referring to at least two distinct types of arachnids: the Cellar Spider (Pholcidae) and the Harvestman (Opiliones). The Cellar Spider is a true spider, possessing two body segments, and spins messy, tangled webs, often hanging in dark corners.
The Harvestman is an arachnid, but not a true spider. It has a single, fused body segment, lacks venom glands, and does not produce silk or webs. Harvestmen are typically outdoor creatures, feeding on decaying matter and small insects, but they occasionally wander inside. Identifying the creature is helpful, as the Cellar Spider’s preference for indoor webs makes it a more persistent household resident.
Scents Suggested for Repelling
Highly aromatic substances are commonly suggested as natural deterrents. Peppermint oil is the most popular recommendation, containing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) menthol and menthone. The strong aroma of these compounds is thought to be overwhelming to the creature’s delicate sensory organs.
Citrus oils, especially those from oranges, are effective due to d-limonene. This compound is a natural insecticide that can dissolve the waxy, protective outer layer of an arthropod’s exoskeleton upon direct contact. Using fresh orange or lemon peels can introduce this compound into an area.
White vinegar is a readily available household item frequently cited for its repellent qualities. Its strong scent comes from acetic acid, which is known to be irritating to arthropods. Cedarwood oil, containing the compound cedrol, is also suggested as a long-lasting repellent, often used as cedar blocks or essential oil sprays. Other essential oils, including tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender, are often included in homemade repellent mixtures, all relying on intense, irritating aromas.
The Science of Olfactory Repulsion and Application
Arachnids lack a nose, but they possess specialized chemoreceptors on their bodies and legs that allow them to “smell” and “taste” their environment. This sensory system is highly sensitive, and intense odors from essential oils are believed to disrupt or overstimulate these receptors, making the treated area intolerable. Essential oils contain monoterpenoids, a class of VOCs with fumigant properties, meaning they release vapors that can be disruptive to the arachnids’ systems.
For practical application, essential oils must be diluted to be effective and safe, typically using 10 to 15 drops per cup of water. A small amount of dish soap should be added to emulsify the oil and water, ensuring the spray remains properly mixed. This solution can be sprayed directly into corners, around window and door frames, and along baseboards where the creatures enter or hide. Alternatively, soaking cotton balls with undiluted essential oil and placing them in undisturbed areas provides a longer-lasting scent barrier. Reapplication is necessary, as volatile compounds dissipate quickly, often requiring a new application every few days to a week to maintain a strong deterrent effect.
Non-Scent Based Methods for Management
While aromatic repellents offer a straightforward solution, the most effective long-term strategy focuses on environmental control and physical exclusion. Cellar Spiders and Harvestmen thrive in high-humidity environments, so reducing moisture is a powerful deterrent. Operating a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces, aiming for a relative humidity level below 50 percent, makes the space less hospitable for the arachnids and their prey.
Physical exclusion involves sealing the tiny gaps that allow entry. Inspecting the home’s exterior and applying caulk to cracks in the foundation, around utility penetrations, and along window and door frames creates a solid barrier. Installing door sweeps and ensuring all window and door screens are intact eliminates access points.
Reducing the available food source is another foundational management strategy. Spiders are attracted to areas with high populations of other insects, so controlling pests like flies, ants, and moisture-loving insects through cleanliness and sanitation directly reduces the spider population. Regular physical removal of webs and clutter, especially in undisturbed corners, attics, and storage areas, also destroys potential hiding spots and egg sacs.