Sac Spider
Category Spiders
Actual Size: ¼ to ⅜ inch
Characteristics: Tan legs and head, with a yellow abdomen.
Habitat: They build webs where walls meet adjacent walls or ceilings. Lives outdoors in gardens and organic debris – but goes indoors in fall to seek warmth.
Habits:
- Builds sac-like nests and small tubes (hence the name).
- Can be mistaken for the brown recluse, although it doesn’t have a fiddle on its back.
- Their bites are painful, but not dangerous (with the exception of allergic reactions).
Sac Spiders in Florida
Sac spiders are often found in your garden and sometimes even inside your home. If you spot one indoors, it likely hitched a ride on some fresh produce or just sought out some warmth (especially as the temperature drops outside).
These critters enjoy the Florida climate, but they sometimes prefer the comfort of indoors. Sac spiders blend seamlessly into the state’s vibrant ecosystem. Their pale yellow or sometimes green-tinged appearance can make them a common sight, especially if you’re tending to your garden or enjoying the state’s lush greenery.
Sac Spider Habitat
You’ll usually find sac spiders outdoors under leaves, in garden debris, or nestled in the bark of trees. They’re quite the travelers and sometimes end up in homes inadvertently through agricultural products like grapes. As the weather cools in the fall, they’re also known to come indoors, looking for a cozy corner to set up their silken sacs — these act as retreats or places to keep their egg capsules.
When the Florida weather becomes cooler, these spiders may look for warm nooks and crannies inside homes. Don’t be surprised if you spot them scaling walls with ease — they’re just seeking out the perfect spot to craft their silken retreats for rest or to protect their next generation.
Sac Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Sac spiders are primarily hunters and only use their silk to create a retreat to hide or protect their young. These nocturnal creatures venture out at night to hunt other insects.
While their bite might be painful and cause reactions such as swelling or slow-healing sores, it’s generally not a cause for significant medical concern unless you happen to be allergic. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms after a suspected spider bite, consult a medical professional.
Should you find yourself facing a sac spider issue at home or want to learn more about these largely misunderstood creatures, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pest control professionals.