Cellar Spiders in Georgia
Health RiskNo Risk
Damage RiskNo Risk
NuisanceMedium
How to Identify Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders are harmless arachnids with small, elongated bodies and very long, slender legs, typically found in a light gray to pale brown coloration.
- Actual Size 1 to 2 inches leg span
- Characteristics Pale gray, tan, or light brown spiders with extremely long, delicate legs and a small, narrow body.
- Legs 8
- Antennae No
- Wings No
What Do Cellar Spiders Do?
Cellar spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed spaces such as basements, garages, crawl spaces, and ceiling corners where they can build webs and remain largely unnoticed.
- They are not considered dangerous to humans, and bites are extremely rare due to their shy and nonaggressive nature.
- They build irregular, tangled webs rather than the neat circular webs commonly associated with many other spider species.
- When threatened, cellar spiders often vibrate rapidly in their webs, creating a blur that makes them more difficult for predators to target.
- Female cellar spiders carry their egg sacs in their mouthparts instead of wrapping them completely in silk and leaving them in the web.
Where Do You Find Cellar Spiders?
These spiders thrive in sheltered indoor spaces with minimal disturbance, often occupying corners, ceilings, and other protected areas. Common places to find cellar spiders include:
- Basements
- Garages
- Crawl Spaces
- Attics
- Ceiling Corners
- Storage Rooms
- Sheds and Workshops
- Under Staircases
What Should I Do If I Have Cellar Spiders in Georgia?
Because they prefer low-traffic areas with abundant insect prey, cellar spiders may establish themselves in various parts of a home or building. If their presence is becoming excessive, try the following solutions:
- Remove webs regularly using a vacuum, broom, or duster to reduce the number of spiders and egg sacs around your home.
- Reduce clutter in basements, garages, attics, and storage areas to eliminate hiding spots and web-building locations.
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, foundations, and utility openings to help prevent spiders from entering.
- Lower indoor insect populations, since cellar spiders are attracted to areas where prey is readily available.
- Clean ceiling corners, crawl spaces, closets, and other low-traffic areas where cellar spiders commonly build webs.
- Contact a professional pest control company if cellar spiders become widespread or continue returning despite your prevention efforts.
Top 5 FAQs About Cellar Spiders in Georgia
Have questions about cellar spiders? Check out the FAQ section below first, and reach out by phone or email if you need further assistance.
Why are they called cellar spiders?
They are called cellar spiders because they are often found in dark, quiet areas like basements, crawl spaces, and other low-traffic parts of buildings.
What do cellar spiders eat?
Cellar spiders feed on small insects and other spiders. They help reduce populations of flies, mosquitoes, moths, and similar pests indoors.
How can I get rid of cellar spiders?
You can reduce them by removing webs, vacuuming regularly, reducing clutter, sealing entry points, and lowering insect populations inside the home.
Why do I keep seeing cellar spiders in my house?
They are attracted to areas with shelter and food sources. If insects are present and quiet hiding spots are available, cellar spiders may continue to return.
When should I call a professional for cellar spiders?
If cellar spiders are widespread, keep returning, or difficult to control with cleaning and prevention methods, a professional pest control service can help identify the source and provide targeted treatment.
