Hundreds of Daddy Longlegs on Back-Porch Impatiens? Just a Spider Thing

New impatiens pots on the back porch are covered in daddy longlegs (harvestmen). Front pots have 1–2. Why the difference? You're in southern Ohio.

Probable Reasons (All Harmless)

• A female laid eggs in/near back pots — perfect nursery.
• Back area has more prey (springtails, mites, small insects).
• Microclimate: cooler, damper, or more sheltered — ideal for them.
• Random chance — they're wanderers, not colonists.

No Action Needed

Daddy longlegs are not spiders (no venom, no silk). They don't harm plants — they eat decaying matter and tiny pests. They'll disperse on their own.

Consider it free pest control. And a great story: "The Great Spider Convention of 2024."