Any Northeast Philly resident who is 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.
While agrarian sac spiders are beneficial outdoors due to their diet, they become a concern when they invade homes. Identifying and sealing their entry points is crucial to preventing infestations.
If you’re unsure how to keep agrarian sac spiders and other pests outside, contacting a licensed pest management professional is a smart choice. Exterminators have the best tools and expertise to identify entry points and implement effective pest control solutions.
This species stands out due to its coloration. Unlike most black or brown spiders, agrarian sac spiders are light yellow or cream-colored. They have dark brown chelicerae and tarsi, with a dorsal stripe on the abdomen. The first pair of legs is noticeably longer than the others, and adult females measure approximately 5 to 10 millimeters, with males being slightly smaller.
These spiders primarily use their silk to create sleeping sacs rather than webs for catching prey. Nocturnal by nature, they spend daylight hours inside these silken tubes, which measure about one inch in length.
Indoors, they prefer dark, cluttered spaces such as attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages. However, they may also build sleeping sacs in occupied rooms, typically in high corners or ceiling seams. Outdoors, they nest in leaf litter or plants.
Unlike web-spinning spiders, agrarian sac spiders actively hunt their prey. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other arachnids, including common garden pests, making them beneficial in outdoor environments.
These spiders do not damage property. The primary concern is the presence of multiple abandoned sleeping sacs, which can be an aesthetic nuisance if infestations are significant.
Although not naturally aggressive, these spiders will bite if provoked. Bites often occur when people unknowingly disturb them in outdoor spaces, shoes, or clothing. The bites are painful and unexpected, contributing to their reputation.
While their venom is potent for insects, it is generally harmless to humans. Most bites result in minor irritation, redness, and itchiness. However, in rare cases, the bite site may experience tissue decay. If a spider bite appears slow to heal or worsens, seeking medical attention is advised.
Additionally, spider bites can become infected if scratched aggressively, and some individuals may have allergic reactions, experiencing dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
Signs of an agrarian sac spider presence include:
To minimize the risk of an infestation, consider the following steps:
Effective spider treatment involves identifying and eliminating webs and sleeping sacs. DIY solutions are often insufficient, making professional pest control the best option for complete eradication.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we use a comprehensive approach, treating wall voids, attics, and structural crevices with specialized gels, dusts, and other effective products.
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For more information on Pennsylvania spiders, visit:
Commonly Encountered PA Spiders
Courtesy: Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
