Property owners in Levittown who peer under boards and stones or stir up leaf litter are likely to encounter broad-faced sac spiders. These pests additionally may be found lurking beneath siding or windowsills.
This particular spider species is best known for its incredibly painful bites. It is not uncommon for these bites to develop secondary infections. This is mainly attributed to the broad-faced sac spider's proclivity for scavenging from dead spiders, insects and mites. Thanks to this habit, members of the species carry around and transmit an extra load of potentially harmful bacteria.
Property owners who are concerned about broad-faced sac spiders and other pests are encouraged to contact a licensed and qualified pest management company. Exterminators are trained to eliminate pests that come indoors. In addition, they identify all of the openings through which these pests are making their way inside. By also recommending and making improvements to the property that make it more pest-proof, it is possible for pest management professionals to guard buildings against future pest issues.
WHAT DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE?
The cephalothorax on the broad-faced sac spider is solid colored, usually in reddish or dark brown. This body component frequently appears shiny. Similarly, the abdomen is solid colored in gray or tan, and this part may exhibit a dull sheen.
One of the easiest ways to distinguish a broad-faced sac spider from other spiders is by its legs. Typically, the legs are red, brown or tan, but the front pair is always a much darker hue and thicker than the back legs.
An adult female of this species has a body measuring approximately three-eighths of an inch across. If the legs are included in the measurement, then the female may be as much as five-eighths of an inch. The males are slightly smaller.
WHERE DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
The broad-faced sac spider prefers spots that are dry and warm. The base of a plant, leaf litter, fences, the interior of rolled-up leaves or the underside of a piece of lumber that is lying on the ground all are likely places to find them.
Females are most likely to come inside buildings as the cooler weather of autumn arrives. Egg sacs generally are laid in September or October. These usually contain between 30 and 50 eggs. If the onset of colder weather occurred quite early, it is possible that these egg sacs may be laid indoors, leaving an unpleasant surprise for the building's human occupants.
Broad-faced sac spiders may live quite well indoors, especially if they can find habitat that suits them. Frequently, they are discovered in garages, sheds, basements, attics and outbuildings as these tend to be warmer and drier than the outdoors. These places also may have sizable populations of insects and spiders, promising a steady supply of food for the broad-faced sac spider.
These pests also may be found in the buildings in Levittown in which people live and work. A storage room or any room that is cluttered is most likely to look attractive, but these spiders are capable of finding quiet corners almost anywhere.
WHAT DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS EAT?
Instead of spinning webs to catch prey, the broad-faced sac spider is a hunter. It pounces on insects and other spiders, delivering a quick, venomous bite that incapacitates the hapless victim. This approach to feeding enables this species to feed on prey that is much larger than it is.
Additionally, the broad-faced sac spider is a scavenger that will take advantage of dead insects and spiders.
DAMAGE CAUSE BY BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
The broad-faced sac spider is not associated with property damage. It does occasionally spin a silken retreat that it uses as a nest, especially when living indoors. People may be unhappy with the appearance of several of these cocoons in their home or office.
ARE BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
Broad-faced sac spiders do not actively seek out people to attack. Bites do occur, but usually only when the spider is accidentally harassed or cornered by a person. For instance, one of these spiders may decide to hide in a pair of coveralls or inside a shoe. A person puts on the garment or the shoe and gets bitten.
DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
This species of pest does not precisely transmit a disease when they bite a person. Nonetheless, such bites are said to be among the most painful of all spider bites. Venom is automatically injected into the victim of the spider's bite, and this can cause an adverse reaction in some people.
It further is possible that this particular spider's bite may carry harmful bacteria that the spider picked up while scavenging on the bodies of dead insects and arachnids. These bacteria may be responsible for a potentially serious secondary infection that needs to be treated by a medical professional.
HOW TO DETECT BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
Signs of a broad-faced spider presence include:
• Silken cocoons are found in the upper reaches of rooms • Visual sightings, especially indoors • Reports of multiple spider bites
HOW TO PREVENT BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
To help prevent broad-faced spider issues the following steps should be taken:
• Clean building exteriors with a power washer every year • Cover or seal all cracks and fissures in the building's exterior • Use screens on all windows and doors • Eliminate indoor and outdoor clutter • Ensure that storage spaces are regularly cleaned • Institute a regular program of dusting and vacuuming
HOW TO TREAT FOR BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
A pest control expert will visit the home or business to conduct an inspection. At that time, a plan will be put into place to determine the best course of action for removing the broad-faced sac spiders and ensuring they do not return. Only professionals should be trusted in ridding homes and businesses of these spiders as they are extremely aggressive and prolific breeders. Those who attempt to exterminate spiders on their own are not likely to see thorough and long-term results.
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.
