There aren't many spiders in New England that are poisonous to humans, but a new report says that homeowners should beware of a newly identified common spider with a possibly venomous bite wandering around their windowsills and kitchen floors.
The broad-faced sac spider (Trachelas tranquillus), which invades homes in the autumn months, is the culprit behind a recent envenomation of a Connecticut woman. After sustaining what was described as a wasp-like sting on her leg, the 50-year-old bite victim experienced redness and swelling almost immediately, according to the case study, published in September in the Journal of Medical Entomology.
Given that black widow spiders (Latrodectus), brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) and hobo spiders (Tegenaria agrestis) are the only known US species dangerous to humans, as recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it may come as a shock to people that this common spider could possibly be venomous. However, Yanks shouldn't be too alarmed as the victim didn't experience any side effects or require medical attention, and swelling around the bite lessened by the following day, researchers note.
"This is a hunting spider. There are hunting spiders, and then there are those that rely mostly on a web to catch prey," Charles Vossbrinck, a co-author of the report and a scientist with the Department of Environmental Sciences in New Haven, told Live Science.
Even though this reddish-brown arachnid was caught traipsing this woman's kitchen looking for food - finding her leg instead - the broad-faced spider isn't native to New England kitchens. Most of the time, T. tranquillus prefers the great outdoors where it can typically be found outside of buildings under siding and on windowsills, as well as at the base of plants, on fences, inside rolled leaves and under stones and boards, according to the College of Agricultural Sciences at Pennsylvania State University.
The latest incident is only the second case of envenomation by the broad-faced sac spider in Connecticut, the first having occurred in 1969. In that instance, the 23-year-old bite victim required antibiotics after the bite became infected.
Scientists believe that because this spider - found as far south as Georgia - tends to scavenge on dead spiders and insects - a unique trait - bites may sometimes be painful and require medical attention.
"Individuals who are sensitive to arthropod venoms may exhibit a more severe and possibly systemic reaction," the website wrote.
If you happen to get bit by a broad-faced sac spider this fall, there's no need to panic, Vossbrinck tells Live Science. Simply monitor the bite for any sign of infection or necrosis - breakdown of the skin. Any pain or redness should subside within a day. And if possible, try to catch the culprit should you need to seek any medical attention.