When long-legged sac spiders take up residence in offices and homes across Philadelphia, property owners do not need to worry about structural damage being caused by these invaders. Still, these arachnids deliver painful bites and they may be feeding on insects that are destructive, making it worthwhile to ask a professional to get rid of these pests.
Long-legged sac spiders may be lurking in cast-off clothing or shoes that are sitting on the floor. The moment of confrontation between people and these spiders typically is shocking. The person simply is reaching into a jacket. Instead, they get a nasty bite when they surprise a long-legged sac spider.
These wounds can take a long time to heal, making them prone to complications that may become serious. This is why it is not a good idea to delay taking action when long-legged sac spiders are seen indoors.
In addition to their painful and lingering bites, these spiders feed upon a variety of pests that may be destructive or pose a health threat to people. Accordingly, when numerous long-legged sac spiders are encountered indoors, it is wise to contact a pest control company.
Pest management professionals are equipped to safely end pest infestations of all descriptions, including those in which long-legged sac spiders are involved. Spider control can be complicated, so it is wise to always let a professional handle these tasks.
WHAT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE
Long-legged sac spiders are active hunters, and they have several adaptations that help them excel in this skill. One of these is the presence of eight eyes, which enable these spiders to see well when not much light is available. Adult females measure between five and ten millimeters and may be pale yellow or tan. The eight legs each terminate in a black foot. When a member of this species eats many insects of the same species, this may change its coloration, which can make identification difficult for laypeople.
WHERE DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
A rolled-up leaf provides a safe haven in which the long-legged sac spider can spend the day outdoors. They also may spin a silken sleeping sac within the leaf or among yard debris on the ground. Remaining in the sleep sac throughout the day, the long-legged sac spider emerges at night to hunt.
Homes and businesses in Philadelphia can be excellent places for these arachnids to live. This is especially true when the building's exterior features multiple gaps and cracks through which insects and spiders can enter. The pests take up residence in places that are dark, cluttered and rarely disturbed. This is where most of the insects are found, and the spiders want to live where the hunting is easy and convenient.
Long-legged sac spiders may spin their sleeping sacs up high in rooms at the seam where walls and ceilings meet. Alternatively, they may make use of convenient storage boxes or clutter. While a rarely used storeroom is the more likely place to find these spiders, they may reside in more frequently inhabited rooms, especially when numerous members of this species are living in the same building. Greater concentrations of these pests may be found in crawl spaces, attics, basements, sheds, garages and beneath furniture.
WHAT DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS EAT?
When these spiders are hunting, almost any insect and other spider is on the menu. People sometimes welcome a member of this species in the garden because they hunt pests like mosquitoes, gnats, ants and a variety of arthropods.
If long-legged sac spiders are being seen indoors, it likely is because there is an excess of bugs on which they can feed in the same location. This suggests that the building is not well sealed against pests and is in need of prompt repairs.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Long-legged sac spiders are not destructive pests. However, they feed upon termites, carpenter ants, wasps and other insects that cause structural damage and may cause harm to people. When large numbers of long-legged sac spiders are in residence, it is a sign that many insects are present as well. This signals to the property owner that it is time to hire an experienced pest management professional to deal with the situation.
ARE LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
Long-legged sac spiders may seem aggressive, but chances are good that they actually are fearful. Fierce predators when it comes to insects and other spiders, long-legged sac spiders are prey to many other creatures, and they fear people. This is why their first instinct is to bite when a person disturbs them. This makes them appear to be aggressive, but if given an opportunity, they will run and hide instead of attacking when confronted with a predator.
DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
When long-legged sac spiders bite people, they do not transmit a disease. Nonetheless, the bites can be extremely painful, and some of them can be slow to heal. Secondary infections may occur if the wound is not properly cared for until it is healed. Rare bite victims may discover that they are allergic to the venom that is transferred with the spider's bite. Nausea, pain, itching and swelling are common symptoms of such an allergy.
With these bites being slow to heal, it is occasionally possible for a necrotic lesion to form at the site. This is a rare complication, but anyone who experiences unusual symptoms after being bitten by a spider is encouraged to seek medical attention.
HOW TO DETECT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Signs of a long-legged sac spider infestation include:
• Black-footed spiders with yellow or tan bodies are seen indoors • When spider bites occur, they are slow to heal and may develop complications • Spider sleep sacs can be seen at the seams between walls and ceilings or in storage cartons • The premises are known to have insect problems
HOW TO PREVENT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
To help prevent long-legged sac spider issues the following steps should be taken:
• Have regular pest control treatments performed to eliminate food sources • Identify and block holes and cracks in the building using weatherstripping, caulk and other materials • Trim back trees and shrubs and get rid of yard debris piles • Refrain from leaving towels and clothing on the floor if an infestation is suspected • Create a regular cleaning schedule that includes vacuuming and dusting all surfaces to get rid of pests • Eliminate clutter from indoor and outdoor spaces • Keep kitchens and dining areas especially clean to discourage pest activity
HOW TO TREAT FOR SPIDERS
Spider treatment involves the detection and elimination of all webs. If this is not done, the spiders are likely to re-infest the structure. Generally, it is not possible to completely eliminate spiders with do-it-yourself products. As such, successful spider eradication should be left for a pest control professional who has the tools and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we don't take your spider problems lightly. That's why we use a multifaceted process including the treatment of wall voids, attics, and cracks and crevices throughout the premise with gels, dusts, and other specialized products.
