Nov 14, 2025 | Pest Control
As autumn arrives in Hermitage, Tennessee, the cooling temperatures signal a change in pest behavior. Homeowners may notice an increase in certain uninvited guests, specifically stink bugs and multicolored Asian lady beetles. These pests congregate on the sunny sides of buildings and seek entry to overwinter. Understanding their habits is the first step toward effective management.
This guide provides information on why these pests invade homes during the fall and offers practical, preventative strategies to protect your property. A proactive approach is key to ensuring your home remains a comfortable, pest-free environment throughout the season.
Understanding Fall-Invading Pests
Both stink bugs and Asian lady beetles are considered nuisance pests. While they do not typically cause structural damage or pose significant health risks, their presence in large numbers can be a considerable annoyance.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Native to Asia, the brown marmorated stink bug is now a common sight across the United States. These shield-shaped insects are about a half inch long and mottled brown. As their name suggests, they release a foul odor when disturbed or crushed, which is their primary defense mechanism. During fall, they seek warm, sheltered places to hibernate, making homes an ideal target.
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles
Often mistaken for native ladybugs, Asian lady beetles can be identified by their variable coloration, ranging from tan to reddish-orange, and a distinctive ‘M’-shaped marking behind their head. Like stink bugs, they gather in large numbers on sunny, exterior walls in the fall. They seek out small cracks and crevices to enter homes, where they will remain dormant until spring.
Why These Pests Invade Hermitage, Tennessee Homes
The primary driver for these fall invasions is survival. As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, stink bugs and Asian lady beetles enter a hibernation-like state called diapause. To survive the winter, they must find a protected location that shields them from the elements.
Your home offers the perfect refuge. It provides warmth, shelter, and protection from predators. These pests are drawn to the heat radiating from sun-exposed siding and will exploit any available opening to get inside, often congregating in attics, wall voids, and behind baseboards.
Proven Strategies for Pest Prevention
The most effective way to manage fall invaders is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. A few key preventative measures can make a significant difference.
Seal Potential Entry Points
A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior is the most critical step. Denying pests entry is your best line of defense.
- Inspect and Seal: Examine your foundation, siding, and areas around windows, doors, and utility pipes for any cracks or gaps. Use a high-quality silicone caulk to seal these vulnerabilities.
- Repair Screens: Ensure all window and door screens are in good condition and free of tears or holes.
- Secure Vents: Install fine-mesh screening over attic vents, exhaust fans, and chimneys to block potential access points.
Reduce Exterior Attractants
Making the exterior of your home less appealing can discourage pests from gathering.
- Exterior Lighting: Consider using yellow “bug lights” for exterior fixtures, as they are less attractive to insects.
- Manage Landscaping: Trim back vegetation and tree branches that touch your house, as pests can use these as bridges to gain access.
Proper Removal of Indoor Pests
If you find stink bugs or lady beetles inside, avoid crushing them. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove them. Once collected, you can dispose of the vacuum bag to prevent odors from lingering.
By implementing these exclusion and prevention techniques, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fall pest invasion. Protecting your home requires a proactive and consistent approach.
If you are experiencing a persistent issue with stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, or other pests, professional intervention may be necessary. Contact a certified pest control expert for a comprehensive property inspection and a customized management plan to address your specific needs.
Nov 6, 2024 | Florida Pest Control
As fall settles in across Florida, homeowners are met with cooler temperatures and a notable increase in pests such as rodents, centipedes, silverfish and cockroaches seeking shelter from the changing weather. With their relentless pursuit of warmth and food, it’s crucial to implement practical strategies to keep these uninvited guests out. Discover our effective pest prevention techniques to help you prevent fall pests!
Fall Pests in Florida
Why Fall Brings Unwanted Visitors
Despite the cooling temperatures, many pests remain active during fall as they search for warmth, food, and moisture. Understanding their behavior is essential for preventing their attempts to invade your home. Small cracks, crevices, and the persistent humidity can create hidden entry points, making it vital to thoroughly inspect your home for vulnerabilities. Being proactive now can save you from larger infestations later.
Do-It-Yourself Pest-Proofing Strategies
Fortify Your Home’s Perimeter
Seal cracks and gaps with caulking and weather stripping, particularly around doors and windows. Installing door sweeps can significantly reduce potential entry points, preventing pests from slipping through unnoticed.
Declutter to Deter
Clear away debris outside and organize storage areas inside. This not only eliminates potential nesting sites for pests but also creates a more inviting atmosphere for you and your family.
Maintain a Clean Environment
Regularly vacuum and wipe down surfaces to remove food attractants that can lure pests into your home. Use sealed containers for food storage and keep trash bins emptied and covered to minimize odors that might attract critters.
Use Natural Deterrents
Consider using essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil, known for their pest-repelling properties. Mix a few drops of water and spray around your home’s entry points. Additionally, food-grade diatomaceous earth can effectively control crawling insects by dehydrating them; simply apply it in areas where pests are commonly spotted.
Plant Natural Barriers
Planting marigolds, lavender, or mint around your home not only enhances your landscape but also serves as a natural deterrent to pests. These plants emit scents that repel many common insects, creating a more pest-resistant environment.
Common Florida Fall Pests and Solutions
Silverfish
To control silverfish, maintain low humidity levels with dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation. Regularly declutter areas where they may hide and consider using adhesive traps to monitor and reduce their population.
Rodents
To effectively manage rodents, store food in sealed containers, keep pet food stored away, and regularly clean up crumbs and spills. Additionally, sealing gaps and entry points in walls and foundations can help prevent them from entering your home. For severe infestations, consulting a pest control professional may be necessary to ensure a thorough solution.
Centipedes
Keep your home tidy and free of clutter, as this reduces hiding spots. Seal cracks and gaps in walls and foundations to limit their entry and consider using insecticides in severe infestations. Regularly checking for moisture issues can also help deter these pests.
Cockroaches
To combat roaches, keep food stored in airtight containers, maintain a clean living space, and promptly address any leaks or moisture issues. Additionally, using gel baits and traps can help reduce their population. If the infestation persists, consider contacting a pest control professional for more comprehensive treatment options.
Sustainable Practices in Pest Control
Try to reduce chemical use by adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices, which focus on long-term prevention using various methods. Supporting local wildlife by avoiding broad pesticides and choosing targeted treatments is not only better for the environment but also helps create a healthier ecosystem.
Pest prevention is an ongoing effort, especially in Florida’s climate. By combining DIY strategies, natural deterrents, and professional help, you can ensure your home remains a pest-free sanctuary. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, consider scheduling a consultation with a pest control expert. These professionals will set you up with a thorough inspection and the best treatment and prevention plan for your Florida home.
Oct 16, 2023 | Georgia Blogs, Pest Control
By Anna V., Editorial Lead — Pest Education · Last updated: May 2026
“Is that a cellar spider or a daddy long legs?” is one of the most common questions we get on Northwest spider inspections, and the honest answer is: it’s almost always both at the same time. The term “daddy long legs” is a regional nickname that gets applied to three different creatures depending on where you grew up. The cellar spider (family Pholcidae) is the one most Georgia and Alabama homeowners actually see indoors, and in the Southeast, “cellar spider” and “daddy long legs” usually refer to the exact same spider.
Here’s what a cellar spider actually is, how to tell it apart from the other two creatures sometimes called “daddy long legs,” whether you need to worry about them, and what to do when they keep showing up in your basement, garage, or ceiling corners.
The cellar spider is what most Southeast homeowners actually mean when they say “daddy long legs.”
What Is a Cellar Spider?
Cellar spiders belong to the family Pholcidae. They have small, cylindrical bodies (typically under half an inch long), but their legs are remarkably long, sometimes spanning two to three inches when fully extended. They’re light tan to gray in color, mostly translucent in some areas, and they hang upside down in loose, tangled webs that look more like a tangle of fishing line than a typical spider web.
Despite their slightly creepy appearance, cellar spiders are skilled predators that help control other household pests. They feed on mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, moths, and even other spiders, including larger species like wolf spiders. In a Georgia or Alabama home, a small population in the basement or garage often does more good than harm.
Cellar Spider Identification
Three features make cellar spiders easy to identify once you know what to look for.
Appearance
Small, cylindrical body (about a quarter to half an inch long) with eight extremely long, thin legs. Body color ranges from pale tan to light gray. Adult females are usually slightly larger than males. Both sexes have a distinctive habit of vibrating their entire body in a fast circular motion when their web is disturbed — a defense behavior that makes them harder for predators to grab.
Webs
Cellar spider webs are unmistakable once you’ve seen one. They’re loose, tangled, and irregular — not the neat geometric shapes orb weavers create. Webs are almost always strung across ceiling corners, the angles between walls and shelves, or in undisturbed spots behind furniture and stored boxes. The webs aren’t sticky in the traditional sense, but the tangled structure traps prey by entanglement.
Size
Body length: about 5 to 13 millimeters (under half an inch). Leg span: typically 2 to 3 inches when the spider is fully extended. The dramatic difference between tiny body and very long legs is the visual feature most homeowners remember.
Cellar Spider vs Daddy Long Legs: The Differences That Actually Matter
“Daddy long legs” gets applied to three different creatures. Only one is a cellar spider. Here’s the comparison.
Three different creatures, one nickname. Only one is a true cellar spider.
| Feature |
Cellar Spider |
Harvestman |
Crane Fly |
| Classification |
True spider (Pholcidae) |
Arachnid, not a spider (Opiliones) |
Insect (Diptera) |
| Body shape |
Small, slender, two body segments |
Single fused body segment |
Elongated insect body with wings |
| Legs |
8, very long and thin |
8, long |
6, fragile |
| Web? |
Yes, tangled corner webs |
No, no silk |
No, no silk |
| Venom |
Mild, harmless to humans |
None |
None |
| Where you find it |
Indoor corners, basements, garages |
Outdoor leaf litter, stone walls |
Around porch lights at night |
For the full myth-busting overview of how the name “daddy long legs” got attached to three different creatures, see our granddaddy long legs guide. For more on the daddy long legs spider specifically and why it’s so often confused with a crane fly, see our daddy long legs spider guide.
Are Cellar Spiders Dangerous?
The short answer: no. The longer answer addresses the persistent internet rumor that cellar spiders are the world’s most venomous spider but physically can’t bite humans.
That story is almost entirely false. Cellar spiders do produce a small amount of venom to subdue prey, but the venom is not particularly potent, especially not to humans. The few documented Pholcidae bites on humans show only mild, brief irritation — less than a typical mosquito bite. There is no medical record of a serious human reaction. The University of Georgia Extension’s guide to common household spiders classifies Pholcidae as harmless.
For families in Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, Macon, or any of our other Georgia service areas: cellar spiders are a nuisance at worst. The webs look bad, and a heavy population suggests there’s another pest issue indoors, but the spiders themselves are not a threat to people or pets.
Why Cellar Spiders Appear in Homes
If you’re suddenly seeing more cellar spiders in your basement, garage, or ceiling corners, three things tend to be happening:
- Indoor insect populations have grown. Cellar spiders follow their food. Fruit flies in the kitchen, fungus gnats around houseplants, drain flies in bathrooms, mosquitoes inside through open doors — any of these attract Pholcidae.
- Moisture or humidity has increased. Cellar spiders prefer slightly damp environments. Basements after heavy rain, crawl spaces with ventilation issues, and bathrooms with poor airflow are common hotspots.
- Seasonal shift indoors. Late summer through early fall in Georgia and Alabama drives both insects and spiders into homes looking for stable shelter. Activity peaks in September and October.
Cellar Spider Webs: What They Look Like
Cellar spider webs are the easiest way to confirm a sighting. Unlike orb weavers (which build the classic symmetrical “spider web” most people picture), cellar spiders create messy, irregular tangles of silk strung loosely across corners.
Characteristics of cellar spider webs:
- Tangled and irregular, not geometric
- Located in ceiling corners, the angles between walls and shelves, and upper corners of garages and basements
- Often coated in dust over time, making them appear gray or fuzzy
- Can accumulate small dead insects (the spider’s prey) entangled within
- Reappear within 24 to 48 hours of being removed if the spider population is still active
How to Prevent & Control Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders respond well to environmental changes. Most homeowner control efforts work, given a little patience.
DIY Prevention
- Reduce humidity in basements and crawl spaces. Run a dehumidifier. Fix any plumbing leaks. Address ventilation issues. Drier spaces are less attractive to cellar spiders.
- Seal cracks and entry points. Caulk around windows, foundation cracks, gaps in trim, openings around utility lines. Cellar spiders walk in through the same gaps as other small pests.
- Cut indoor insect populations. Address fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and drain flies. Less food means fewer spiders.
- Reduce clutter. Stable, undisturbed surfaces let spiders build webs unimpeded. Cardboard storage in basements is especially attractive. Plastic bins are less so.
- Clear visible webs regularly. A vacuum hose attachment or long-handled duster handles webs in seconds. Persistent web removal often discourages spiders from rebuilding in the same spots.
When to Call a Professional
For most Georgia and Alabama homeowners, a few cellar spiders in the basement don’t warrant a service call. Consider professional pest control if:
- You’re seeing more than 10 to 15 cellar spiders in a single area consistently.
- Webs reappear faster than you can clear them.
- You’re also noticing other indoor pest activity (small flies, mosquitoes, gnats, moths) — addressing those usually solves the spider issue too.
- You want a full exclusion plan that prevents return activity.
Cellar spiders prefer slightly damp, undisturbed corners, common in older Southeast basements and crawl spaces.
Cellar Spiders in Georgia and the Southeast
Cellar spider activity in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Activity is highest in late summer and early fall (August through October), when indoor insect populations peak and outdoor temperatures push pests indoors.
Regional factors that increase cellar spider sightings in Southeast homes:
- Humid summers. Cellar spiders favor slightly damp environments, and Southeast humidity creates ideal conditions in basements and crawl spaces.
- Older home construction. Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, and Birmingham all have significant inventories of older homes with foundation cracks, unfinished basements, and crawl spaces that provide easy entry and ideal shelter.
- Heavy spring and summer rain. Flooded outdoor harborages push both spiders and the insects they feed on indoors.
- Year-round insect activity. Mild Southeast winters mean indoor insect populations don’t fully die back in cold months the way they do further north. Spiders that follow them stay active too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cellar Spiders
Do cellar spiders bite humans?
Bites are extremely rare and typically only happen if the spider is physically trapped against skin. Symptoms, when they occur, are mild — usually less than a mosquito bite. There is no medical record of a serious human reaction to a cellar spider bite.
Are cellar spiders venomous?
They produce a small amount of venom to subdue prey, but the venom is not dangerous to humans. The persistent rumor that cellar spiders are the most venomous spider in the world is internet folklore with no scientific basis.
How do I know if I have a cellar spider infestation?
Look for tangled, irregular webs in ceiling corners, basements, garages, and around stored items. Regular sightings of small, long-legged spiders hanging upside down in webs are a clear indicator. Webs that reappear within a day or two of being cleared suggest an active population worth addressing.
Do cellar spiders eat other pests?
Yes. Cellar spiders feed on mosquitoes, fruit flies, fungus gnats, moths, and other spiders, including larger species. A small population in a garage or basement is effectively free natural pest control for the insects you don’t want.
How do I get rid of cellar spiders for good?
Reduce indoor humidity, seal entry points around windows and foundation, address the indoor insect populations they feed on, cut clutter in storage areas, and clear visible webs regularly. If they keep returning quickly, there’s almost always an underlying moisture or food-source issue worth a professional inspection.
When cellar spiders keep returning, the underlying issue is usually moisture or another pest they’re feeding on.
Stop Worrying About Cellar Spiders
If you’re seeing cellar spiders in your basement, garage, or ceiling corners and you’d rather not, the good news is they respond well to environmental changes. They’re harmless, they signal another (more fixable) pest or moisture issue 90% of the time, and most cellar spider problems clear up when the underlying conditions change. Northwest’s team has been clearing spider problems out of Georgia and Alabama homes for decades, and the most effective fix is usually addressing whatever the spiders are eating.
About the Author
Anna Vaccaro, Editorial Lead — Pest Education leads pest education content for Northwest Exterminating, working with senior technicians and service center managers across our Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina service areas to translate field expertise into homeowner-friendly guides. The focus: accurate, regionally-specific answers to the pest questions Southeast homeowners are actually searching for.
Oct 5, 2023 | Wildlife
Cooler weather is approaching, and this means that wildlife will soon begin searching for warmth and shelter. This could result in them entering your home and making it their sanctuary for the season. Let’s go over common wildlife in Georgia you might see this fall and how you can deter them away from your home!
Common Wildlife in Georgia
Snakes:
Snakes can be more common in the fall time, as they start to search for a place to begin their hibernation or brumation over the winter months. Snakes might also be more noticeable as certain snake species mate in the fall months. These creatures can go into hiding as late as December, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them until then. Sealing cracks in your foundation and making your property less appealing to them will help deter them from seeking shelter nearby.
Rodents:
Rats and mice will often seek shelter in your home as it provides them with a readily available food supply throughout the winter. You will begin to hear their activity in the walls and attic in the fall as they start storing food in their nests. Keep these rodents out of your home by sealing up holes inside and outside of your home and storing food in airtight containers.
Raccoons:
These nocturnal creatures will mostly be seen searching for food at nighttime throughout the fall. They begin searching for food in the fall to prepare for the winter months when food is scarce. Food scarcity will encourage them to be more active and creative in their search for food, which often leads them to your garbage cans. Some preventative ways to ensure raccoons don’t enter your home this fall include utilizing a lid on your garbage can and storing it outside. Likewise, seal any entry points on the exterior of your home.
Squirrels:
In the autumn months, squirrels have a habit of “bulking up” in preparation for the colder season. It’s common for them to seek refuge in attics, using these spaces to build their nests and stash their food supplies. However, their presence in homes can be particularly problematic since they tend to gnaw through wires and wood, potentially causing substantial damage to your residence. The best prevention tips for squirrels are to install chimney caps or screens and to take down bird feeders in the fall.
Wildlife control can be a difficult task due to some regulations for certain species. Give your local Georgia wildlife company a call today for a customized plan and a free inspection!
Oct 3, 2023 | Pest Control
As the fall season settles in, many homeowners in Georgia are gearing up for the seasonal battle against fall pests. Among the various critters that make their way into our homes and gardens, orb weaver spiders are a common sight. While these eight-legged arachnids may appear intimidating, understanding their characteristics and behaviors is essential to maintaining a pest-free environment.
Identifying Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weavers belong to the Araneidae family and are known for their distinctive circular webs, which they expertly spin to trap flying insects. These spiders come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, but they all share some common features:
- Web Patterns: Orb weaver spiders create large, intricate, and symmetrical orb-shaped webs. These webs are usually positioned horizontally in gardens, between trees, or near outdoor lights.
- Body Characteristics: Orb weavers typically have round or elongated abdomens and long, slender legs. Their coloration varies but often includes shades of brown, black, yellow, or green.
- Size: These spiders can range in size from as small as 1/8 inch to over 1 inch in body length, depending on the species.
- Distinctive Markings: Some orb weaver species have unique markings on their abdomens, such as zigzag patterns, colorful spots, or distinctive shapes.
Common Places to Find Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weaver spiders are outdoor creatures, and you’ll most commonly encounter them in the following places:
- Gardens: They often build their webs among plants and shrubs to catch flying insects.
- Wooded Areas: Orb weavers thrive in wooded environments where they can find trees and bushes to create their webs.
- Outdoor Structures: These spiders may spin their webs near porches, decks, or outdoor lights to take advantage of the insects attracted to these areas.
The Benefits and Disadvantages of Orb Weavers
Before rushing to eliminate orb weaver spiders from your property, it’s essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages they bring.
Benefits:
- Natural Pest Control: Orb weavers are efficient hunters and play a crucial role in keeping insect populations in check. They can help reduce annoying and potentially harmful pests around your home.
- Low Maintenance: Once their web is built, orb weavers require minimal attention and maintenance. They can be considered natural pest control allies.
Disadvantages:
- Aesthetic Concerns: Some homeowners find their large webs unsightly, especially when they are positioned in high-traffic areas.
- Fear Factor: Orb weaver spiders can be intimidating due to their size and appearance, leading to arachnophobia in some individuals.
Fall Pest Control: Preventing and Managing Orb Weaver Spiders
If you wish to minimize orb weaver spider presence around your home, here are some practical tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean outdoor lights and remove debris from bushes and shrubs to discourage spiders from setting up shop.
- Seal Entry Points: Ensure that your home’s windows and doors are tightly sealed to prevent spiders from entering your living spaces.
- Professional Pest Control: Consider hiring a pest control expert for thorough fall pest control services. They can assess your property’s unique needs and develop a customized pest management plan.
- Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Reduce outdoor lighting during the night, as it can attract insects that serve as orb weavers’ prey.
Don’t let orb weaver spiders and other fall pests disrupt your peace of mind this season. Take proactive steps to manage and prevent their presence by reaching out to our expert pest control team. Request a free pest control quote today and ensure a pest-free environment for you and your family.
In conclusion, while orb weaver spiders can be beneficial for natural pest control, they may also pose challenges for homeowners. Balancing their advantages and disadvantages and taking preventative measures can help you enjoy a pest-free home during the fall season.
