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.
WHAT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE
Members of this species have eight eyes, which enables them to see well even when little light is available. This is a critical characteristic for a creature that frequently hunts in darkness. Females may measure anywhere from five to ten millimeters when fully grown and are usually either tan or pale yellow, but a steady diet of one particular insect may change the spider's color. Each of the eight legs has a black foot.
WHERE DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
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.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Long-legged sac spiders are extremely unlikely to cause structural damage. Nonetheless, these arachnids may feed upon a variety of insects that could be destructive. Examples include carpenter ants and termites, both of which can be responsible for undermining the structural integrity of buildings if they are not controlled.
WHAT DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS EAT?
Long-legged sac spiders are predators that will eat other spiders and insects. They do not catch their prey in typical spider webs. Rather, they hunt their prey and bite it with a venomous sting. They will also function as scavengers, eating insects that are already dead. The most diet choices of long-legged sac spiders are flies, moths, crickets, and other similarly sized insects.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
The most serious damage caused by the long-legged sac spider is that which occurs from its bite. The sac spider bite is very painful. It is often compared to a hornet sting, though symptoms can become quite severe. Swelling that could last from a few hours to a few days. Those who have allergic reactions must seek medical help immediately.
ARE LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
These arachnids prefer to avoid people, but occasional confrontations are inevitable, especially since these spiders live indoors so frequently. Unsuspecting people who reach into a storage box or slip on a jacket that has been lying on the floor may be in for an unpleasant surprise when they receive a sharp, stinging bite. This behavior makes the long-legged sac spider seem aggressive, but these creatures usually are only frightened.
DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
No disease is transmitted from the spider to a human bite victim. However, these bites are painful, and they can be slow to heal. This makes opportunities for secondary infections to occur. Some people are allergic to the venom that the spider transfers to the people it bites. Symptoms such as swelling, intense itching, pain and nausea may ensue.
On rare occasions, reports of necrotic lesions forming in a bite wound from this spider have been made. This is an unlikely complication, but bite victims are encouraged to seek medical treatment if the bite does not heal properly.
HOW TO DETECT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Signs of a long-legged sac spider infestation include:
• The property appears to have numerous insects in residence • Painful, slow healing spider bites are occurring on the premises • Silken sleep sacs are scattered throughout the interior portions of the buildings • Yellow and tan spiders with black feet routinely are encountered
HOW TO PREVENT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
To help prevent long-legged sac spider issues the following steps should be taken:
• Regularly clean storage areas • Get rid of items causing clutter in indoor and outdoor spaces • Prevent pests from entering buildings by eliminating entrance points • Sweep or vacuum beneath furniture and equipment • Prevent trees and shrubs from contacting building exteriors • Schedule routine pest control treatments • Do not leave clothing and towels on the floor
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.
