To Feasterville's residents, the broad faced sac spider is a familiar menace. In fact, the territory for this pest stretches across half of the U.S. and north into Canada.
Most of the time, people and broad faced sac spiders leave each other alone. The spiders like living outside most of the time. Pick up a rock or an old board lying on the ground, and you are almost certain to see one or two members of the species.
Unfortunately, these are not the only places where broad faced sac spiders may be located. Living on the exterior or even inside a residential or commercial building is quite common to these arachnids. Any rooms or areas that are cluttered, dusty and neglected are particularly prone to being inhabited by broad faced sac spiders.
What attracts these pests to these areas? This species is a skilled hunter. Dark, dusty, crowded areas offer excellent habitat for the bugs on which they feed. Accordingly, broad faced sac spiders are looking for promising hunting grounds.
If people live and work in buildings that offer hospitable habitat, the spiders will eventually enter. This may mean that people and spiders are more likely to run into each other, and the consequences of these meetings can be more serious than most people realize. While the bite of the broad-faced sac spider may not be inherently dangerous, it is unusually susceptible to causing secondary infections in the bite victim. This is because the arachnid feeds on dead arthropods, then passes decaying tissue on through a bite.
When these and other spiders regularly are encountered indoors, it is a sign of a larger and more troubling pest problem. Solving these issues can be complicated and require months of concerted effort. Calling in a licensed pest management professional puts property owners on the right track.
WHAT DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE?
As with many species, the female tends to be larger than the male when it comes to broad faced sac spiders. The female can reach an ultimate length of five eighths of an inch. Their distinctive brown, tan or red legs are their most distinguishing characteristic as the front legs are obviously thicker and longer than the rear legs. Observation reveals a gray or tan abdomen and a shiny red or brown cephalothorax.
WHERE DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
Members of the species seem to be highly adaptable as they are able to survive in many different climate zones. From alpine retreats to meadows and forests, broad faced sac spiders are everywhere.
When the weather is warm and inviting, these spiders rarely venture indoors. Plentiful food is found in yards and landscaping, and adverse weather conditions are not a concern. Temperatures cool in the fall, and it is likely that more rain is falling. These spiders are relatively delicate, and they need a safe place to live and reproduce.
Accordingly, most broad-faced sac spider infestations in Feasterville occur in the fall. The pests enter sheds, garages, warehouses, storage facilities, homes and offices looking for the dark, dusty and cluttered conditions that they prefer. These conditions are found in places that people tend to neglect, which means they are more likely to have other infestations on which the spiders may feed.
These same conditions are ideal for reproductive purposes. Fall is mating and egg-laying season for spiders. Females of the broad faced sac spider species lay between 30 and 50 eggs at a time. With numbers like these, it is easy to see how populations of this arachnid can seemingly explode overnight.
WHAT DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS EAT?
When broad faced sac spiders remain outdoors, they are a beneficial species because of their practice of eating a wide variety of insects and other arachnids. This actually helps to prevent these other pests from getting out of control.
In fact, members of this species are very good hunters that can run and jump to capture prey. With a gift for concealment and rapid movement, the broad faced sac spider can even take down bugs that are much bigger than it is.
DAMAGE CAUSE BY BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
The good news about a broad faced sac spider infestation is that it usually does not result in damage to any structures. Nonetheless, there is cause for concern as these pests feed on wood-destroying insects that may be infesting the building. It is always wise to get to the bottom of the issue with an exterminator before too much damage occurs.
ARE BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
People may feel that these spiders are aggressive because of the places in which they choose to hide. Encounters between people and broad faced sac spiders tend to occur in unexpected moments such as when an individual reaches into a crowded cardboard box in a relatively dark setting. They are shocked by a painful spider bite, and it is safe to say that the arachnid is just as surprised. A broad faced sac spider that believes it is being threatened will always retaliate with a bite.
DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
Equipped with venom that incapacitates their prey, broad faced sac spiders also transmit this venom to human bite victims. Fortunately, the amount is so small that most people experience no reaction. A few individuals may discover an allergy to this venom.
The bad news is that bites from broad faced sac spiders are not only painful but also put the victim at risk for developing a secondary infection. This may occur if the spider recently fed on a decaying arthropod. Some of that matter may be transferred to the bite wound, causing painful complications.
HOW TO DETECT BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
Signs of a broad faced sac spider infestation include:
• Painful spider bites are suffered by people on the property • Some bites develop concerning secondary infections • People discover sleeping cocoons made of spider silk in rooms • General pest problems are ongoing on the premises
HOW TO PREVENT BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
To help prevent broad faced sac spider issues the following steps should be taken:
• Clean out storage rooms to eliminate clutter • Frequently move around stored items to discourage pests from taking up residence • Keep storage rooms free of pests, dust, dirt and debris • Opt for keeping windows and doors closed or use good screens • Power wash the building's exterior at least once per year • Use a broom to knock down spider webs each week • Stick to regular pest control appointments to keep spider food sources at a minimum • Devise a more frequent cleaning schedule • Seal up the building against incursions by pests using weather stripping, caulk, wire mesh and related materials
HOW TO TREAT FOR BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
Proper spider treatment involves the detection and elimination of all webs. If this is not done, spiders are likely to re-infest the structure. Generally, spider infestations should be treated by a pest control professional with the equipment and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we do not take your spider problems lightly. That is 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. Schedule a FREE inspection today.
