Yellow Sac Spiders in Washington State: Bites, Venom and Prevention

Yellow Sac Spiders in Washington State

One spider that can be found in Washington state is the yellow sac spider. Yellow sac spiders (scientific name Cheiracanthium inclusum) are small spiders that can range in color from pale yellow to greenish-yellow or light brown.

Identifying Yellow Sac Spiders

Yellow sac spiders have a body length of about 1/4 to 3/8 inches (6 to 10 mm). Their most distinguishable feature are the faint darker stripes running lengthwise on their abdomens.

They have a moderately bulbous abdomen and eight eyes arranged in two rows. Their front legs are noticeably longer than their hind legs.

Yellow Sac Spider Bites

Like most spiders, yellow sac spiders prefer to avoid humans and bites generally only occur when a spider gets unintentionally squeezed or pinched against bare skin.

Yellow sac spider bites cause mild symptoms like:

• Moderate pain, redness and swelling
• Itching at the bite site
• Development of a small blister or wound

The venom can also trigger cramps, nausea, headaches and mild fever in some people.

Treatment for Yellow Sac Spider Bites

Yellow sac spider bites usually heal on their own like other mild insect bites. Over-the-counter pain medication, antihistamines, topical antibiotic cream and keeping the area clean can help manage symptoms.

See a doctor if you experience severe pain, swelling, ulceration or a persistent infection at the bite site. Though extremely rare, seek immediate care if you have symptoms of a severe reaction like difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, seizure or loss of consciousness.

Venomous Spiders in Washington

While the yellow sac spider is one of the more common spiders in Washington capable of biting humans, there are a few other venomous spider species residents should know.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widow spiders can be identified by the red hourglass shape on their otherwise black, shiny bodies. They like to nest in dry, undisturbed places like woodpiles, rubble piles and tree stumps. Their bites can cause muscle aches, nausea, and difficulty breathing, but deaths are rare.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders have violin-shaped markings on their backs. They are usually found in human dwellings like basements and attics. The venom destroys skin tissue at the bite site and can take months to heal.

Hobo Spider

The hobo spider is a funnel web spider with a herringbone pattern on its abdomen. Bites cause mild reactions but dangerous open sores in rare cases. They like to hide in small dark spaces inside homes.

Other Venomous Spiders

A few other spiders capable of biting found in the state include the grass spider, barn funnel weaver, giant house spider, rabbit hutch spider and woodlouse hunter spider. Bites may cause mild short-term symptoms.

Signs of a Dangerous Spider Bite

Most spider bites do not require medical treatment. But seek immediate care if you experience:

• Rapid development of pain and swelling extending past the bite site
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle weakness or spasms
• Loss of consciousness

These can indicate a severe reaction to a venomous bite requiring prompt medical attention and possible antivenom.

Capture the Spider for Identification

When possible, capture and bring the spider to the hospital for identification purposes. Correct identification allows doctors to provide the appropriate treatment.

Use a jar or plastic container with a tight fitting lid. Slide stiff paper or cardstock under the container to trap the spider for transport to the ER.

Preventing Spider Bites in Your Home

To reduce the chances of being bitten by a spider inside your home:

• Clear clutter like piles of stored items, clothing and shoes which provide nesting spots
• Seal cracks and crevices around walls, floors and ceilings
• Vacuum and dust regularly
• Store seldom worn clothing in sealed plastic containers
• Shake out clothing, towels and bedding before use
• Install yellow bug lights at entrances
• Use an insecticide formulated to kill spiders

Protective Clothing When Handling Items in Infested Areas

Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants tucked into boots, goggles and masks when cleaning spaces like attics or basements which could harbor spiders.

Treating Spider Bite Sites

If bitten by a yellow sac, black widow or other spider, take these first aid steps while seeking medical care:

• Wash the area with soap and water
• Apply an antibiotic ointment
• Cover with sterile bandage
• Immobilize the bite site
• Apply cold pack to relieve swelling
• Take OTC pain medication if pain is severe

Leaving bites open increases risk of infection so keep them covered until healed. Note any symptoms and their time of onset to best help emergency staff treat envenomization.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.