Daddy long legs are drawn to light and may be more prevalent in homes during the autumn months. Pest prevention specialist, Sophie Thorogood, explains that these insects are attracted to light from windows and open doors, making it essential to keep doors and windows closed to prevent them from entering. To further deter daddy long legs, sealing gaps around windows, doors, and air vents is recommended to block potential entry points.
Autumn sees a peak in daddy long legs entering homes due to a mass hatch of larvae, leading to an increase in adult crane flies in moist environments. To make your home less appealing to these insects, reducing humidity by using a dehumidifier in damp areas and improving airflow can help. Outdoors, daddy long legs lay eggs in damp soil and decaying plant matter, with the larvae known as leatherjackets that can damage lawns and plants.
To tackle the issue outside, keeping the garden tidy by removing organic debris like fallen leaves, grass clippings, and compost bins away from the house can make the garden less attractive to daddy long legs. If these harmless insects manage to get indoors, they can be easily captured and released back outside without causing harm. By following these simple steps, you can help keep your home free from daddy long legs this winter.