Perhaps long-legged sac spiders are not as destructive as other pests we've seen, but residents still call for their removal. This mainly is because this species of spider is known for delivering irritating bites at shocking moments. Someone slipping on a pair of boots that have not been worn in weeks may find that a frightened spider is already in residence. The outcome is a bite that could take days to heal. Such bites may even develop serious complications.
Long-legged sac spiders frequently choose to live in commercial and residential structures. Doing so helps ensure their survival as man-made buildings provide shelter, climate control and food. As this is one of the most common arachnid species in the region, it is not unusual to encounter one of these spiders somewhere indoors.
This spider spins a web in which it rests and sleeps during the day. At night, the long-legged sac spider leaves its web to hunt for food. This nocturnal activity accounts for the tendency of people not to notice the presence of these spiders until several are living in the same building. Of course, the presence of sleeping sacs also may give away the pests' activity.
Another thing that helps long-legged sac spiders to remain indoors longer is the fact that they are drawn to rooms that are cluttered and tend to remain dark most of the time. The darker and dirtier the room, the more likely the spiders are to inhabit it. Finding these conditions in a room suggests that people do not come into it frequently. That means that more insects likely are present too. In short, any room that is not routinely cleaned is more likely to host an infestation of long-legged sac spiders.
People who notice that many spiders and bugs are living indoors may decide to get an insect spray from the hardware store. However, there are several reasons why this approach is not recommended. Such products are not especially powerful, and unless they are applied with great care, they are unlikely to be effective. Moreover, DIY pest treatments tend not to work on spiders because of their unique biology.
The recommended approach is to contact a pest management professional without delay.
When living outdoors, it is common for members of this species to create a sleep sac in a rolled up leaf. With leaves generally unavailable in buildings, these spiders spin their sleeping tube in the upper reaches of rooms. Most frequently, they are located in the seam where ceilings and walls meet.
Long-legged sac spiders are good at protecting themselves, a skill that is essential for surviving the elements and predators. Buildings can be excellent places to live as they generally keep out temperature extremes, rain and wind. Crawl spaces, attics, basements, sheds, garages and storage rooms are the most likely places for people to discover members of this species. Sleeping sacs also may be discovered in rooms in which people regularly spend time, especially if people desert the rooms in the evening.
Long-legged sac spiders do not always place their sleeping sacs on walls. They have been discovered in cartons, dark corners, beneath furniture and among cluttered items that rarely are disturbed.
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.
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