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Wildlife Spotlight: Daddy Long Legs: More Myth Than Monster

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The Spooky Season Regular You Don’t Need to Fear

It’s October in North Texas! The air’s cooler, the pumpkins are out, and the long-legged “spiders” hanging in the corners of your porch are back. They look like they were made for Halloween décor, but they’re not trying to scare you.

Those lanky little creatures are Daddy Long Legs, and despite their creepy appearance, they’re one of the most harmless critters you’ll ever meet. They don’t bite, they don’t spin sticky webs, and they definitely don’t want anything to do with you.


The Myth That Just Won’t Die

You’ve probably heard it before: “Daddy Long Legs are the most venomous spiders, but their fangs can’t pierce human skin.” It’s a great campfire story, but it’s not true.

Daddy Long Legs aren’t even spiders. They don’t have venom or fangs at all. Instead, they scavenge, cleaning up tiny insects and bits of organic material around your home. Think of them as quiet little fall housekeepers with very dramatic legs.


Why You’re Seeing More of Them in Fall

When the weather cools, these guys start looking for cozy, sheltered spots. You’ll usually find them in garages, under decks, behind sheds, and around outdoor lights. They like places that stay damp and a little dark. Classic fall conditions in DFW.

The good news? They don’t set up permanent shop! Once the weather shifts again, they move right back out.


Perfect for the Halloween Mood (Without the Fright)

There’s something fitting about Daddy Long Legs showing up this time of year. Their silhouette screams Halloween: long shadows, still movements, and that unmistakable spindly frame, but they’re actually the friendliest “scare” you’ll meet this season.

So if you see a few hanging around, don’t panic. They’re just part of the fall scene, quietly keeping the truly pesky bugs in check.


When the Creepy Crawlies Aren’t So Harmless

Of course, not every visitor deserves an invite inside. If you start noticing real spider activity or other pests creeping closer to home, it’s time to call in some backup.

At Paragon Pest Control, we’ll make sure your home stays protected through every season — without taking the “trick” out of your treat.