Although they are most active at night, long-legged sac spiders can be a nuisance in Doylestown residences and businesses at any time. This mostly is attributed to the pest's habit of sleeping or hiding in clothing that has been discarded on the floor or even garments that are hung in preparation for wearing. Someone tries to pick up or put on the clothing, and they receive an unexpected spider bite.
Long-legged sac spider infestations are extraordinarily common because this species is well-adapted to share spaces with people. This is a web-spinning arachnid species, but those webs are not used to capture prey. Instead, long-legged sac spiders construct curious, tent-like webs in which they sleep. When the sun goes down, the spider emerges to actively hunt for insect prey.
Property owners frequently react with shock when an exterminator tells them that ordinary pest treatments, like those found at hardware stores, rarely are effective against spiders. This is partially because these "bug sprays" are formulated to target insects rather than arachnids. Insects tend to use their mouthparts to bathe their feet and legs. This habit easily transfers pesticides into the bug's system. By contrast, spiders tend to have longer legs, which keeps their bodies well above surfaces. Moreover, they have pedipalp appendages in the mouth that do not contact the ground. This means that most pesticides are unhelpful against long-legged sac spiders.
Accordingly, when people begin to see many spiders indoors, the wisest course of action is to call in an exterminator who can treat all pest problems on the property since these pests are the food source for the long-legged sac spiders.
WHAT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE
Thanks to this species' long legs, they are exceptionally fast runners, which is why they are such adept hunters. Like other arachnids, the long-legged sac spider has eight legs instead of the six that are found on insects. Additionally, this spider's body is divided into two segments rather than the three that is common for insects.
Each of the long-legged sac spider's eight legs ends in a black foot. Close observation reveals that this spider's front legs are longer than its rear legs. Tan and pale yellow are common colors, and if an individual spider eats large numbers of the same insect, this may change its coloration.
This species has a mark placed approximately where its heart is. A longitudinal stripe, this mark is darker than the rest of the arachnid's abdomen. Two rows of eyes, each row containing four eyes, help to make the long-legged sac spider a particularly effective hunter.
WHERE DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
Long-legged sac spiders prefer to live in the more controlled conditions that are found in homes, offices, warehouses and other commercial sites. Frequently found in places that are dark and cluttered, this spider wants to be left alone. Any room or area that people rarely use is likely to host several long-legged sac spiders.
This species spins an unusual web that is reminiscent of a sleeping bag. Sometimes, these bags are found high up in a room at the spot where a wall and ceiling meet. Alternative locations may include dark corners or within a clutter of objects. The space beneath a bed, a nearly full cardboard box and a storeroom that is filled with seldom-used items all are likely places to find long-legged sac spiders.
This species tends to be nocturnal, causing people to think that a silken sleeping bag that they have found is unoccupied. However, the spider may be quietly resting in the sac, waiting for the sun to go down so that it can come out to hunt.
WHAT DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS EAT?
This species eats a wide and varied diet that may include virtually any insect or arthropod. In fact, people sometimes welcome long-legged sac spiders in their homes or places of business because they know that the spiders will perform natural pest control.
Unfortunately, large numbers of spiders indoors indicate an overall pest problem that needs to be addressed. Some of the species, like termites and carpenter ants, that the long-legged sac spiders are eating may be damaging to property.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Members of the species do no damage to property, but they have a bad habit of startling people at unexpected moments. With their swift running skills and ability to cling to virtually anything, long-legged sac spiders may be spotted running across a ceiling. Moreover, their preference for dark, disused spots means that people may receive an unpleasant shock when it is time to clean out a garage, attic or warehouse. Long-legged sac spiders are responsible for many painful bites, most of which occur when they are surprised by an unsuspecting person.
ARE LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
The long-legged sac spider is aggressive and highly energetic. It will fiercely protect itself and its home if it feels threatened. Though the spider is small, its bites can be quite serious. Likewise, they move very quickly, which makes it nearly impossible to keep them in check without the aid of a pest control expert.
DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
A quick, shocking pain frequently is the first sign of a bite by a long-legged sac spider. Unlike other arachnid and insect bites, these wounds are especially slow to heal. Accordingly, although no disease is transmitted, people are susceptible to secondary infections as they wait for the spider bite to heal.
On rare occasions, these bites will turn into necrotic lesions, and some people may experience an ulcerated sore or some unusual swelling. Most bites respond well to ice packs and elevation, both of which help to minimize the victim's natural reaction.
Antibiotics may be necessary if the victim suffers a secondary infection or if the symptoms become prolonged and intense.
HOW TO DETECT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Signs of a log-legged spider issue include:
• Spider bite victims find that their wounds are surprisingly slow to heal or become necrotic lesions • Tan or yellow spiders are found in dark, cluttered areas • Spider webs shaped like sleeping bags are found indoors
HOW TO PREVENT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
To help prevent sac-spider problems the following steps should be taken:
• Frequently dust and vacuum in storage facilities • Eliminate unwanted clutter from buildings • Clean beneath furniture and large equipment to remove spiders and insects • Have regular pest control treatments performed • Inspect the building for cracks and gaps that may be admitting pests • Do not leave towels, clothing and other textiles on the floor • Prevent trees and plants from contact building exteriors
HOW TO TREAT FOR LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
A trained professional should be consulted to ensure the best method for treating areas for long-legged sac spiders is utilized and to prevent future problems. At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we don't take your spider control 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.
