What a yellow sac spider looks like in Portland OR and Vancouver WA - Interstate Pest Management

Sac Spider

Sac spiders are antisocial arachnids that typically prefer to stay away from humans. They are also commonly referred to as “yellow sac spiders” for their yellow and sometimes greenish coloration. Though these spiders tend to stay outside, they may accidentally wander or be carried indoors. Sac spiders are frequently mistaken for brown recluses because of their similar shape and color, but sac spiders are missing the telltale “fiddle” shaped pattern on their back. Sac spiders mainly feed on other types of spiders and a variety of garden insects.

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Description

 

 Size  ¼” to ⅜”
Characteristics Tan or light brown legs, yellow or green-tinged abdomen.
Legs 8
Habitat Prefers to live outdoors in gardens and forested areas, but may accidentally wander indoors or seek shelter during cold weather. Typically builds webs in corners or ceilings.
 Habits
  • Known for building small tube or sac-shaped nests.
  • Frequently mistaken for the brown recluse, but is missing the telltale fiddle-shaped pattern on its back that brown recluses are known for.
  • Has a painful bite, but is generally not harmful to humans unless it triggers a potentially dangerous allergic reaction.
Sac Spiders in the Pacific North West Sac spiders get their name from their habit of spinning sac-like webs, which they use as a retreat in between hunting times. These spiders primarily feed on a variety of other insects and spiders, and they are most active at night. Though sac spiders are often mistaken for brown recluses, they lack the unmistakable violin or fiddle-shaped pattern on their back. For the most part, sac spiders are antisocial arachnids that prefer to remain out of sight.
Sac Spider Habitat Sac spiders often prefer to live outdoors in areas such as gardens, forests, and organic debris. These spiders are also frequently shipped and carried inside on agricultural products, such as grapes or fruit, and they may seek shelter in warm homes when temperatures drop for the winter. Sac spiders are excellent climbers and can even scale slick surfaces, which means that they can access even hard-to-reach areas. They are also known for constructing silk, sac-shaped retreats in areas such as corners and ceilings.
Sac Spider Behavior, Threats, and Dangers In general, sac spiders are antisocial creatures that avoid humans. However, they will bite if they feel threatened or provoked. Though a sac spider bite may be painful, they are not medically significant unless they trigger an allergic reaction. Swelling, slow healing, and ulcerated sores around the bite area are common reactions, but it is always recommended to seek medical attention if you are concerned about a spider bite. If you have sac spiders in or around your property, call your local spider exterminators to remove these pests safely.

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