Is this yellow spider in the house dangerous? (Yellow Sac Spider) Let's find out for sure

Sometimes, while we are doing some housework or doing some cleaning in the garden, we suddenly see a small, yellow spider, right? Even though we feel a little scared when we see it, we wonder, 'Is this a poisonous animal?' That's what we are going to talk about today, a type of spider called the Yellow Sac Spider, which can be found in our homes and gardens. Don't worry, let's explain everything about this simply and precisely.

Who is this Yellow Sac Spider?

Simply put, this spider gets its name from the small sac-like structure it uses to hide during the day. It can build a small sac in as little as 10-15 minutes. It often builds these sacs in the corners of rooms, on ceilings, or under the leaves of trees.

As for their appearance, they are usually about the size of a nickel (about the size of a 50-cent coin). Their color is light yellow, cream, and sometimes green. They also have a black stripe running down their body. They have eight eyes, arranged in two rows.

They have special little hair-like parts on their legs. That's why they can run very fast along walls and ceilings. But they don't jump. If they get scared, they'll jump down like a silk thread and run.

Why do these spiders come into our houses?

There are several reasons why these spiders may be attracted to your home. Think about it, if they have good places to hide, they are more likely to come.

• Piling up unnecessary items: If you have old things, boxes, etc. piled up in different places in your home, it's a perfect place for them to hide.
• Cracks in the walls: They can easily enter the house through small cracks and gaps in the foundation and walls of the house.
• Unused places: They like places that we don't frequent, like attics and basements, and are less noisy.
• Plants close to the house: If there are vines that lean against the walls of the house and climb up the walls, they can climb up and enter the house.
• Wood piles: If there are piles of wood near the house, that is also a place they choose to live.
• Other insects: The most important thing is that if there are a lot of other insects (like cockroaches and flies) in your home, these spiders will be attracted to eat them.

What happens if you get bitten by a Yellow Sac Spider?

Okay, now we come to the question everyone has. Is this spider poisonous? Is it dangerous if it bites?

Yes, this type of spider bites people and pets alike. Sometimes it can bite for no reason at all. Especially if we accidentally trap it in clothing, shoes, bedding, or if it bumps into our limbs while gardening.

Their bites can be painful, and their venom can also cause some symptoms.

First aid that can be done at home if you get bitten by a spider

Don't panic if you suspect you've been bitten by a spider. There are some simple first aid measures you can take at home.

1. Wash and clean thoroughly: First, wash the bite area thoroughly with lukewarm water and soap. This can reduce the risk of infection.

2. Apply ice: To reduce swelling and pain, wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply them to the bite for about 15 minutes. Do this every two to three hours.

3. Taking a painkiller: If the pain and swelling are too much, yourYou can ask your doctor for a suitable painkiller, for example, paracetamol or another anti-inflammatory pain medicine.

Some people use things like aloe vera, but it's always safest and most appropriate to seek medical advice before doing anything.

When should you see a doctor?

Although these bites are usually not serious, you should definitely see a doctor in the following cases:

• If the pain and swelling do not subside within a few hours.
• If there is pus coming from the bite site, or if there are signs of infection (e.g., redness spreading around the wound, fever).
• If you experience other serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, dizziness, vomiting, or feeling unwell , go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
• If the bite was on a small child, an elderly person, or someone with other medical conditions such as diabetes, it is wise to see a doctor.
• If you need further information about any venomous animal bite, you can call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

How to remove and prevent these spiders from the house?

The best way to control these spiders in your home is to block their access and eliminate their habitat.

• Keep it clean and tidy: Keep your home and garden clean and free of unnecessary items, piles of wood, and leaf litter.
• Seal gaps: Seal gaps and cracks in walls, near window frames, and under doors with cement or a type of sealant.
• Control insects: Control the entry of other insects into the house. Because even these spiders won't come if there is no food.
• Destroy spider webs: If you see these little white sacs of spiders in corners of your home, on ceilings, or behind picture frames, destroy them. They may contain eggs.
• Direct removal: If you see a spider, you can carefully grab it and throw it out. Or you can pull it out with a vacuum cleaner.

If you use pesticides, seek advice from someone who is knowledgeable about them and use them very safely, especially if you have small children or pets at home.