Are long-legged sac spiders a cause for concern in Langhorne? While not precisely dangerous, it is not unusual for people to be bitten by members of this species. This is because favorite hiding places of the long-legged sac spider include sleeves, pant legs and shoes. Whether these garments are left on the floor or hanging in a closet, these spiders will settle in for a nap. When a person tries to put on the clothing, they get a nasty spider bite.
Long-legged sac spiders are among the most common species in the local area. As such, it is not a surprise to occasionally see one of these arachnids inside a residential or commercial building. Members of this species actually are well-adapted to live in close proximity with people. Leaving an indoor nesting site is rare unless the spider is forced to do so.
Members of this species spin webs that look and function a little like a tent. The spider retreats into its web during the day to rest. When the sun sets, the spider emerges to hunt for food. Accordingly, people are more likely to spot these arachnids out and about at night. Still, seeing the nests somewhere indoors is a strong indicator that an infestation is underway.
Why is it so hard to get rid of long-legged sac spiders and other arachnids once they are indoors? Several answers may apply. Spider species can be very adept at hiding, particularly in places that are dark and cluttered. Getting rid of the clutter may go a long way toward resolving spider problems.
Additionally, spiders require a steady supply of insects to meet their nutritional needs. As long as the insects are present, the spiders will remain where it is easy to obtain a meal.
Making things even more complicated is the fact that many of the insect sprays that are available to the public are not effective against arachnids. While insects clean their feet and leg using their mouths, which forces them to ingest poison, spiders, with their long legs and specialized mouthparts, are far less likely to contact any treatments that people might apply to surfaces.
Licensed pest management professionals understand spider biology and have access to more powerful and effective specialized treatments. Although these treatments are deadly to pests, they are safe to use around people and pets when they are applied by a knowledgeable professional.
WHAT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE
As arachnids, long-legged sac spiders are equipped with eight long legs that make them extremely fast runners. Each leg has a black foot on the end, and the hind legs are shorter than the forelegs. The body and legs may be pale yellow or tan. However, if a particular long-legged spider eats many insects of the same species, this can affect its coloration.
Along this spider's abdomen is a dark longitudinal line. A total of eight eyes assists this spider to hunt in low-light conditions.
WHERE DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
As relatively delicate creatures, long-legged sac spiders prefer to live in the sheltered environment that can be found in man-made structures in Langhorne. They make live in garages, sheds, basements and crawl spaces, but it also is possible to find them in rooms that are regularly inhabited by people. They may spin a web high up on the wall or ceiling, coming out at night when people are less active.
This spider's sleeping sac alternatively may be found within storage boxes or in the dark corner of a crowded room. Sometimes, these arachnids are found underneath people's beds or in an attic or other storeroom.
WHAT DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS EAT?
Insects and arthropods are the main sources of nutrition that are required by this species. It is their enormous appetites for these pests that may make long-legged sac spiders welcome visitors in some gardens and even in a limited capacity indoors.
Of course, some people would rather see no insects or arachnids in their home or office. Others will tolerate an occasional spider sighting. However, anyone who feels like they are encountering too many bugs and long-legged sac spiders when they are indoors is encouraged to contact a licensed pest control professional. It is possible to keep bugs outdoors where they belong.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Property damage is not a common worry where long-legged sac spiders are concerned. However, many people feel uneasy when they know that they have an ongoing spider infestation. It can be immensely unsettling to see one of these arachnids scurrying across a ceiling or along a wall. Additionally, with this spider's propensity for hiding in dark, cluttered corners, their presence can make visits to attics and basements a shocking experience. Many people are bitten by these spiders when they go to retrieve items from a storage space.
ARE LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
Long-legged sac spiders are fairly well-adapted to avoid people thanks to their nocturnal lifestyle. Still, confrontations do occur, and these are almost always startling incidents for both the spider and the person. A long-legged sac spider that feels threatened will immediately bite, and these wounds are painful.
DO LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
A bite from one of these arachnids hurts instantly, and the wound can be incredibly slow to heal. Such a bite is extremely unlikely to make a person ill, but secondary infections are a possibility.
Some individuals experience a rare complication in which a necrotic lesion forms at the site of the wound. Unusual swelling and ulcerated sores may occur. Elevating the wound and applying ice packs can help to minimize the symptoms, but antibiotics are required when complications ensue.
HOW TO DETECT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
Signs of a long-legged sac spider infestation include:
• Silken sleeping sacs are found on walls, ceilings or in storage boxes • Yellow or tan spiders are encountered indoors on a regular basis • Ongoing insect infestations are known to be occurring • People report receiving painful spider bites that are unusually slow to heal
HOW TO PREVENT LONG-LEGGED SAC SPIDERS
To help prevent long-legged sac spider issues the following steps should be taken:
• Block holes, gaps and cracks in building exteriors • Have an exterminator handle insect infestations • Keep storage areas clean and clutter-free • Schedule more frequent dusting and vacuuming • Refrain from discarding linens and clothing on the floor • Regularly clean beneath furniture • Trim foliage so that it does not contact the building's exterior
HOW TO TREAT FOR SPIDERS
Spider treatment involves the detection and elimination of all webs. If this is not done, the spiders are likely to re-infest the structure. Generally, it is not possible to completely eliminate spiders with do-it-yourself products. As such, successful spider eradication should be left for a pest control professional who has the tools and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., 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.
