September 8, 2022

Sac Spider Bites: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention

Sac spiders are common in North America, and while they aren't dangerous, their bites can be quite painful. If you've been bitten by a sac spider, or if you're worried that there may be sac spiders in your home, this article is for you.

In this article, we will go over how to identify sac spiders, how to identify their bites, first aid tips for treating these bites, and how to keep these spiders out of your home in the future. Stay safe and informed!

How to Identify Sac Spiders

Sac spiders are small, light brown or tan spiders. They get their name from the sac-like webbing they build to live in and hunt from. These sacs can be found in trees, on walls, under furniture, and just about anywhere else inside or outside your home. If you see a sac spider, it's important to be careful as they are known to bite when disturbed.

What to Do if You See a Sac Spider in Your Home

If you see a sac spider in your home, the best thing to do is to capture it and release it outside. This can be done by using a cup or jar to trap the spider and then sliding a piece of paper under the container to release it. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, you can also call an exterminator to remove the spider for you.

What do Sac Spider Bites Look Like?

Bites from sac spiders are typically small and painless at first. However, the pain will usually intensify within 30 minutes to two hours after being bitten. You may also experience swelling and redness around the bite site.

In some rare cases, bites can lead to more serious allergic reactions like nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it could also indicate that you were bitten by another, more poisonous spider. Regardless, it's the safe thing to do to see a doctor about this if you are having any sort of extreme reaction.

What to Do If You've Been Bitten

As far as first aid goes, the best thing you can do for a sac spider bite is to clean the wound with soap and water and apply a cold compress. If the pain persists, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These over-the-counter options can help to reduce pain, but more importantly, they can reduce inflammation from the bite.

If possible, elevate where you were bitten and apply a cold compress on the wound. This will  help to keep the swelling down.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sac Spider Bites

It's also important to monitor the bite site for any further reactions or complications. If you experience any serious allergic reactions beyond minor discomfort and swelling, seek medical attention immediately. Sac spider bites are typically not a major issue for most people, but they can become quite dangerous for those who are allergic or have certain preexisting health conditions.

If you develop a rash, have difficulty breathing, or experience any other serious symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention right away as these could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Additionally, if you are unsure of what kind of spider bit you, and there is a possibility that it was a more dangerous spider like a brown recluse or a black widow, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.

Preventing Sac Spider Bites

The best way to prevent sac spider bites is to keep these spiders out of your home in the first place. Some tips for doing this include: sealing cracks and gaps around your home, removing clutter from inside and outside your home where spiders could hide, and regularly vacuuming and dusting your home. You can also keep sac spiders away by using spider repellents around your home.

Keep in mind that spiders are carnivores that feed on other smaller insects. Keeping your home bug free, clean, and removing excess moisture will also keep spiders away. For more information on Sac Spiders, check out Washington State University's department of entomology.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid sac spider bites altogether. However, if you are bitten, it's important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any serious symptoms. With proper treatment and care, sac spider bites are not dangerous and will usually heal within a few days. Stay safe!

If you've got a serious spider problem in your home, Zunex Pest Control is here to help. Servicing the greater Puget Sound Area, we can help you keep any common pest out of your home and away from your family. Contact us today for a free consultation!


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