BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDER CONTROL WARMINSTER PA
Broad-faced sac spiders are a common pest in Warminster. In general, they prefer to be outdoors, but they can thrive when living indoors, especially if conditions are right.
The natural habitat of the broad-faced sac spider is somewhere that is dark, protected and somewhat out of the elements. If someone picks up a discarded piece of lumber that has been lying on the ground for quite some time, they are likely to find one of these spiders lurking there.
Broad-faced sac spiders similarly may try to live on or within man-made structures. Property owners who peer beneath a windowsill or pry back a loose piece of siding are likely to find members of this species. Likewise, any rooms that are cluttered and not used very often are prone to infestation by these spiders.
Most of the local spiders are not much of a threat to people or property. Broad-faced sac spiders are similar with one exception. Members of this species have a nasty habit of feeding on deceased arthropods. If they bite a person after eating this type of meal, the bite victim is vulnerable to developing a secondary infection that can become serious. Accordingly, it is wise to seek control methods when broad-faced sac spiders are near.
These arachnids are most likely to come indoors in great numbers in the fall. They are seeking to avoid the colder, wetter weather, and man-made structures look like an ideal place to do this. Any residences or commercial buildings that are not carefully sealed up against pests are virtually guaranteed to see many of these spiders indoors.
Controlling broad-faced sac spiders can be complicated, making it imperative that property owners call in professional exterminators to do the job.
WHAT DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS LOOK LIKE?
These spiders have colorful legs of red, tan or brown while the abdomen is tan or gray. One of their most distinctive characteristics is their forelegs, which are clearly darker and larger than their rear legs. The cephalothorax may be either brown or red and has a noticeable sheen.
Adult females of the species can grow to a length of five-eighths of an inch when her body and legs are included. Males tend to be slightly smaller.
WHAT DO BROAD FACED SAC SPIDERS EAT?
With their appetites for bugs and arachnids of many descriptions, broad-faced sac spiders actually serve a useful purpose by controlling the pest population. That said, if someone is seeing broad-faced sac spiders inside a building, this is a clear signal that there is a larger pest issue at work.
Broad-faced sac spiders are prolific hunters that rely on cunning and speed for food. Concealing themselves in dark, cluttered areas, they wait for insects and other spiders to walk by. When they do, the broad-faced sac spider pounces, delivering a dose of venom that immediately incapacitates the victim. This strategy enables the broad-faced sac spider to conquer prey that is much larger than it is.
WHERE DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS LIVE?
Broad-faced sac spiders are a common species that can live in a wide variety of climates. Usually, if these spiders can find adequate shelter that is dry and warm, they have all that they need to survive.
Summertime is especially welcoming to broad-faced sac spiders. They may live indoors or out, wherever the most food can be found. Stir up a pile of yard debris or leaf litter, and it is likely that a broad-faced sac spider will be found.
Things change as fall approaches. Conditions outside are less favorable, so the broad-faced sac spider may migrate indoors. Trying to avoid the notice of humans, the spider is likely to make its home in rooms that are dark, dusty and cluttered. This habitat offers an abundance of hiding spots plus an excellent supply of insects.
Garages, sheds, attics, basements, crawl spaces and storage rooms are ideal for broad-faced sac spiders. These are the places in which it is relatively easy to eat, sleep and mate. Egg sacs are laid in the fall, with each sac containing approximately 30 to 50 eggs. The hatch of even a single egg sac cause the property to become overrun with broad-faced sac spiders.
DAMAGE CAUSE BY BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
Like most of the spiders in Warminster, broad-faced sac spiders are not responsible for causing property damage. However, it is possible that these spiders are feeding on species such as termites and carpenter ants that do damage structures. This is why it is always advisable to act fast when too many spiders are being seen in a home or office.
ARE BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
As it prefers to lurk among leaf litter or in dark places, it is easy to infer that the broad-faced sac spider is not particularly aggressive toward people. They do try to escape notice, but if they feel threatened, then they may bite someone.
These bites are notoriously painful, and it is possible for them to develop a secondary infection that requires medical treatment.
DO BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
No diseases are transmitted from broad-faced sac spiders to people through any means. However, these arachnids do inject venom into their bite victims. The amount of venom is so small that most people do not react to it, but there are some individuals who may have an allergic reaction.
Further, it is possible that some people will experience a secondary infection related to a bite from this spider. This is a rare possibility, but any bite that does not heal or that shows signs of excessive redness, swelling or pain may need to be checked by a doctor.
HOW TO DETECT BROAD-FACED SAC SPIDERS
Signs of a broad faced sac spider infestation include:
• People report painful spider bites
• Cocoons woven from spider silk are found in rooms
• Known insect 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:
• Keep doors and windows closed
• Use screens on any doors and windows that are regularly opened
• Use a power washer to clean the building's exterior once or twice per year
• Knock down outdoor spider webs with a broom on a weekly basis
• Have an exterminator perform regular pest control treatments to eliminate food sources
• Look for small openings in the building's exterior that can be sealed with caulk, weather stripping or similar materials
• Move woodpiles and yard debris piles at least 20 feet away from buildings
• Get rid of clutter both indoors and out
• Make vacuuming and dusting more frequent practices
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.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
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