The daddy longlegs spider is probably one of the most well-known spiders around South Africa.
Loved, hated and even feared by many. One of the main reasons why this spider is feared by many is due to an old wives tale that says, they are the most venomous spiders in the world, however they are unable to bite humans.
Like all species of spiders, except one or two, the daddy longlegs does have fangs and venom and they are big enough to bite through human skin, however, their venom is totally harmless to humans.
The usual reason for why these spiders are hated is because of their unsightly messy web that usually ends up being a cobweb.
These webs are usually made in abandoned animal burrows, or if they are living with humans, their webs are made in an un-disturbed area of the home.
In the corner, behind the couch, in the cup-board, in the garage or under the house, all of these areas can be called home to a daddy longlegs spider.
Now for the reason to love the daddy longlegs and even all other spiders.
They are great pest control agents catching and eating those things that can actually be dangerous to your health like flies and mosquitoes.
While you may not want to have a tatty spiders web in your pristine home, or share your bed with a spider, there is never any good reason to kill them, simply scoop them into a dustpan, or bottle and relocate them to your garden or other suitable habitat.
The female daddy longlegs spider carries her eggs around to protect them, until they hatch. As far as spiders go, they are excellent mothers.
If you would like to make contact with Warren to have some of your interesting insects, snakes or spiders identified, send him a WhatsApp message or call him on 072-211-0353.
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