Daddy long-legs are a nuisance. These slow, clumsy creatures who like to hang out in groups often start invading homes come autumn.
Now that we're well and truly into the autumn season, there's a good chance you might spot a few daddy long-legs crawling around your home.
These pesky insects aren't venomous to humans but this doesn't mean you want them in your home, or should have to spend your time chasing them around the nooks and crannies of your home.
Here are five ways to keep daddy long-legs out of your house, according to Adam Juson, pest expert and founder of pest control service Merlin Environmental.
What are daddy long-legs?
Contrary to common misconception, daddy long-legs, also known as crane flies, are not spiders. They are arachnids and have more in common with the scorpion family.
Daddy long-legs can be female or male – despite the name – and live between two and seven years.
If you spot one in your home, chances are there's more lurking somewhere as daddy long-legs often like to hang out in groups.
How to keep daddy long-legs out of your home
Adam Juson offered the following tips to prevent daddy long-legs from taking over your house.
Clean out damp leaves
Daddy long-legs love to pick a damp environment to lay their eggs in, so removing anything that could create such an environment is key to keeping the insects at bay.
if you have a garden it's best to make sure it's free of wet leaves and other debris.
Clean your kitchen
Daddy long-legs really love to feast on rotting fruits, mushrooms and dead insects.
So Mr Juson advises that we keep areas like the kitchen in our home clean and clear of things that might be tempting to the arachnids.
Clear the clutter
Daddy long-legs love clutter. So if you're somewhat messy then it might be time to consider cleaning up a bit.
There's no need for your home to be spotless clean to keep the insects away, but keeping it as clutter-free as possible will help keep them at bay.
Cover cracks
Daddy long-legs can get into your home through the smallest and narrowest of holes and cracks.
So, Mr Juson says it's always a good idea to check through your house for any cracks and seal them up as soon as possible in order to reduce access to daddy long-legs as well as other insects.
Keep your doors closed
Daddy long-legs enter your home looking for food and shelter, so one of the best ways to keep them out is firmly close the door or any kind of access, including windows.
