July 7, 2026, 1:12 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
If you discover a cellar spider in your home, you usually want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. With their long, thin legs, these creatures appear creepy to many people and often show up exactly where they’re least wanted: in living room corners, bathrooms, or basements. But why do cellar spiders feel so at home in houses? And how can you get rid of them without harming them?
Why Are There So Many Cellar Spiders in the House?
The most common species in Germany is the long-bodied cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides). According to the German Environment Agency, it almost exclusively inhabits buildings and prefers to build its irregular webs directly in corners. It feels particularly comfortable in warm and rather damp rooms like basements or bathrooms.
The German Nature Conservation Association (NABU) also describes the long-bodied cellar spider as a typical human cohabitant. It can be found in houses year-round and prefers quiet corners or under the ceiling, where it can build its webs undisturbed.
They Are Often Confused with Harvestmen
Due to their long legs, cellar spiders are often mistaken for harvestmen. However, they are actually different groups of animals. While cellar spiders are true spiders and build webs, harvestmen do not have silk glands and therefore cannot produce webs.
Are Cellar Spiders Dangerous?
The answer is clear: No. Neither the German Environment Agency nor NABU classify the long-bodied cellar spider as dangerous to humans. On the contrary, it is considered extremely beneficial because it captures numerous pesky insects such as mosquitoes or flies. Bites are extremely rare and harmless to humans.
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How to Gently Get Rid of Cellar Spiders
If you don’t want these creatures in your home, you can easily take them outside alive. The simplest way is with a glass and a piece of paper or cardboard. The spider is carefully captured and then released in a sheltered outdoor location. Since cellar spiders are neither aggressive nor attack humans, there is generally no danger. To prevent them from settling again, the Institute for Pest Science also recommends regularly removing existing spider webs.
How to Prevent New Cellar Spiders
Completely preventing the occurrence of cellar spiders is nearly impossible. Where many small insects are present, cellar spiders find plenty of food. Therefore, it can help to keep the food supply as low as possible. Fly screens on windows, for example, prevent mosquitoes and flies from entering the house in the first place. Additionally, it is worthwhile to seal cracks or gaps in windows and doors to make it more difficult for spiders and other small animals to enter the building. These measures are generally considered sensible prevention and are also recommended by pest science experts.