Daddy Long Leg Furballs

Welcome to the Great Outdoors at The Outpost! You may see what appears to be fur on the walls or trees during the hotter months of June, July & August -- do not disturb these! They are actually huddled masses of non-poisonous daddy long legs (Harvestmen) and that is not fur -- they are legs -- thousands of them! They are classified as arachnids, but they are not spiders; rather, they are opilionids. Unlike spiders, they have a fused body, they lack silk, they have no fangs, and do not possess any venom glands.

The reason they are huddling is to create a microclimate of moisture during hot days. This is normal, natural behavior to keep themselves from drying out.

If you disturb them, they will unhuddle and the entire area will be covered with thousands of them. DO NOT TOUCH AND DO NOT KILL THEM -- AND PLEASE DO NOT SPRAY THEM WITH ANYTHING!

These insects are highly beneficial in maintaining balance in our ecosystem by keeping down scorpions, fleas, flies, ticks, fire ants, silverfish, termites, and other harmful insects. Also, their bodies are too large to infiltrate the weather seals throughout the cabin so they cannot get inside. Just think of them as your, 'Guardians.'

Please be a Good Steward and help us to protect these animals. And Enjoy the Great Outdoors!