AGRARIAN SAC SPIDER CONTROL
Any Newtown area resident who is ever bitten by an agrarian sac spider is likely to remember the experience. These bites can be extremely painful, and in rare cases, the tissue at the center of the wound may begin to decay.
This is reason enough for people to prefer to avoid encounters with agrarian sac spiders. However, when they keep their activities strictly outdoors, they are a beneficial species thanks to their eating habits. Accordingly, having an agrarian sac spider somewhere in the yard is little cause for concern.
The situation changes when the spider comes indoors. It is essential for homeowners to determine how the spider got inside. This is the only way that the entrance can be blocked so that more spiders and other pests cannot use it.
If people are uncertain about being able to find all possible entrances that pests might be using or are wondering how to keep agrarian sac spiders and insects outdoors for good, then it is smart to contact a licensed pest management professional.
An exterminator has specialized tools, equipment and training that make it possible to identify cracks and openings that are used by pests. These vulnerabilities are sealed up, and the exterminator also may identify other problems around the property that might be attracting pests.
With the assistance of a pest management professional, property owners can put the days of worrying about pests behind them.
WHAT AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE
This species is relatively easy to differentiate from other arachnid species in the area because of its color. While most spiders are black or brown, the agrarian sac spider may be light yellow or even cream colored. Close examination reveals that this spider has chelicerae and tarsi that are dark brown and that there is a dorsal stripe on the abdomen. Moreover, the first pair of legs is noticeably longer than the other legs. Adult females may measure approximately five to ten millimeters with males being slightly smaller.
WHERE DO AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
This spider reserves its web-spinning abilities for creating sleeping sacs. Typically most active at night, the silken sac is where this spider spends the majority of the daylight hours.
The sac of the agrarian sac spider may be identified by its tubular shape. It measures about one inch in length, and seeing the sac frequently is the first indication that an agrarian sac spider is living indoors.
Many people do not immediately become aware that they are sharing their living or working space with an agrarian sac spider. This is because the sleeping sac is likely to be placed in a dark, out-of-the-way spot. Any rooms that have plenty of clutter provide excellent habitat for this spider. A storage room, attic, basement, crawlspace, garage or shed is the perfect place to spin a sleeping sac.
Still, it is not uncommon for find a sleeping sac in a room that is regularly inhabited by people. When these rooms are utilized by the agrarian sac spider, the sleeping sac may be placed high up in a corner or in the seam where the walls meet the ceiling. Outdoors, a sleeping sac may be placed among leaf litter or within plants.
WHAT DO AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS EAT?
Many spider species spin webs in which to catch prey, but this is not the case for the agrarian sac spider. While it can make webs, this species is an active hunting spider that relies on its running speed to capture insects and other arachnids.
Some of the most common species that are eaten by agrarian sac spiders are considered pests in farm fields, orchards, flower beds and home produce gardens. This means that property owners might actually welcome agrarian sac spiders as long as they remain outside.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS
These spiders are not a destructive species. The most harm that they cause to property is leaving behind multiple abandoned sleeping sacs. If several of these spiders are inhabiting the same building, this can become an aesthetic concern.
ARE AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
Like most arachnids, agrarian sac spiders try to stay away from people as much as possible. Nonetheless, because their bites are so painful and usually unexpected, this species does have a reputation for seeming aggressive.
Bites are most likely to occur when people work in outdoor spaces. However, these spiders do sometimes hide in shoes or clothing. When disturbed, they will immediately go on the attack.
DO AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
The vast majority of spiders transmit venom when they bite, and agrarian sac spiders are no exception. This venom is most effective and potent on insects and arachnids. In most cases, too little venom is transferred from the spider to a human bite victim to cause a problem.
The most common reactions to a bite from an agrarian sac spider include a red welt that might be itchy for a day or two. Rarely, people have experienced problems with the flesh in the middle of the wound deteriorating. If a spider bite seems slow to heal or appears to be causing complications, then it is wise to seek medical advice.
Additionally, it is possible for any spider bite to become infected, especially if the wound is scratched too aggressively. Some people may even have an allergic reaction to the venom that causes symptoms such as dizziness, headache and nausea. An appointment with a doctor may be necessary to address these issues.
HOW TO DETECT AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS
Signs of an agrarian sac spider presence include:
• Seeing yellow or cream-colored spiders indoors
• Finding sleeping sacs indoors
• Receiving reports of painful spider bites
HOW TO PREVENT AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS
To help prevent against sac spider issues the following steps should be taken:
-Get rid of clutter in rooms, storage facilities, yards and landscaping
-Have regular pest control services performed
-Identify and seal any possible entrance points in the building's exterior
-Prohibit foliage and branches from touching the roof and exterior walls
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.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
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