The agrarian-sac spider is well known for its aggressive behavior and painful bites as many home and business owners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can attest.
Healthcare providers see more spider bites from agrarian-sac spiders than any other species. When agrarian-sac spiders are found or suspected around a home or business, it is important to call a professional pest control expert immediately. Professionals can rid areas of these combative pests, and then set up regularly scheduled maintenance to ensure that they do not return.
WHAT AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE
• Size: 3/4 inch, including legs • Color: Very pale in shades of grey or tan. • Characteristics: The agrarian-sac spider is small, with long front legs that are much larger than the other six. The spider's cephalothorax is darker, shorter, and rounder than the abdomen. The agrarian-sac spider should not be confused with the yellow sac spider, which has a pale yellow appearance.
WHERE DO AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
The spider is often found outdoors in shrubberies and trees, although it can make its home inside man-made structures, especially corners and ceilings.
Unlike most spiders, the agrarian-sac spider does not build complex webs as homes or to catch prey. Instead, their homes are tube shaped and often hidden in dark, safe locations.
WHAT DO AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS EAT?
Agrarian-sac spiders have varied diets. They prefer to eat insects and other spiders. They are able to immobilize prey with their venomous bites, which allows them to eat insects and spiders of any size.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS
Agrarian-sac spiders are thought to cause the most spider bites of any spider in North America. These spiders do not leave large webs in homes or businesses, but they can create a significant health risk.
ARE AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
Agrarian-sac spiders are extremely aggressive and will defend their territory with many bites. Humans rarely realize they are invading an agrarian-sac spider's home until they have been bitten. Likewise, agrarian-sac spiders are known to be hunters. As they search for prey, they may encounter humans and react with bites. It is very important to rid areas of these spiders as they can become quite difficult to remove once they have nested.
DO AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
Many experts believe that agrarian-sac spider bites are often misdiagnosed as brown recluse bites. This is because the venom in agrarian-sac spider bites is very similar to that of the brown recluse, though not as dangerous. These bites generally cause itching, redness, burning, and swelling. Many victims also experience rashes and blisters. Those with allergic reactions to the venom may have cramps, fever, and nausea. The worst symptoms may last as long as three days, while less severe symptoms might continue for two weeks.
HOW TO DETECT AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS
The spiders are most active at night. They will only be seen from April through November. Unfortunately, the primary way to detect these spiders is to recognize spider bites.
HOW TO PREVENT AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS
The best way to ensure agrarian-sac spiders stay away from the home is to have a pest control expert treat the area and return regularly for follow-up.
To help prevent agrarian-sac spiders from entering your home or business, Newtown Termite & Pest Control recommends the following measures:
• Keep indoors and outdoors tidy • Clean and sweep ceilings, windowsills, and corners often • Outdoor areas should be cleaned with a garden hose or power spray
HOW TO TREAT FOR AGRARIAN SAC SPIDERS
The agrarian-sac spider is a serious pest and one that must be removed immediately. If a home or business owner suspects that sac spiders are present, a professional should be called since not only can females produce as many as 200 eggs in a mating season, but also cause painful bites.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, 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.
