Are Yellow Sac Spiders Dangerous?

This is a complicated question to answer. If you came to this article wondering if you'll die from a yellow sac spider, the answer is no. The yellow sac spider does not have a venom that is known to lead to human death. If your definition of "dangerous" is broader than this, you may want to read on. 

What Happens When A Yellow Spider Bites?

In most cases, a bite from a yellow sac spider will do little more than create a small, red welt with a mild necrotic center. As long as the wound does not get infected, there is usually not much to worry about. If a bite wound is more severe, there can be symptoms that accompany the bite. You may feel nauseous. You might experience a headache, dizziness, or a fever. There is usually no cause for concern.

Like wasp or bee stings, some people can have a severe reaction to a spider bite. A bite from a yellow sac spider is no exception. In serious cases, a yellow sac spider bite can lead to anaphylactic shock. A rare complication that can occur when bitten by one of these spiders is rotting of the flesh.

Yellow sac spider venom contains cytotoxin, which can create a necrosis in the bite wound. For this reason, bites from yellow sac spiders are often mistaken for the bite of a brown recluse. It is important to understand that brown recluse venom is much more potent than the venom of a yellow sac spider.

How Painful Is A Bite From A Yellow Spider?

If you measure the danger of a creature by how painful the bite is, this is another question that is difficult to answer. For some people, a bite from this spider can be completely painless. Others describe it as a wasp sting. There are many factors involved as to whether or not pain will be experienced.

Since bites from these spiders can be painless, it is possible to wake up with a bite wound and not know what bit you. Take appropriate action to avoid infection, no matter what kind of bite you have. If a blister or lesion appears in the center of the wound, be aware that this may be a warning of necrosis beneath.

Are There Different Species Of Yellow Spiders?

There are many species of yellow sac spider. All are capable of causing a bite with necrotic properties, and all are not nearly as potent as a brown recluse spider.

The two species that are most common are Cheiracanthium inclusum and Cheiracanthium mildei. 

• C. mildei is a common house spider. This species establishes its nest sac in the upper corners of rooms, in wall voids, and in secluded areas where food is available. 
• C. inclusum can be found in homes, but you're more likely to find this species of yellow sac spider in your yard.

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