Wolf Spiders: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of spiders? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Are Wolf Spiders?

Wolf spiders are a kind of spider that is known for being quite large compared to other spiders you might find in your house. They can come in a variety of sizes from one quarter of an inch to one and a half inches in length. Wolf spiders are hairy and typically appear dark brown in color. They are ground-dwelling and commonly live in forests and grasslands. 

Wolf spiders hunt at night and will rest in a protected place during the day. Due to their size and speed, they are easily detected in the home. You will find them at or near floor level, along walls or under furniture.

What Makes Wolf Spiders Different From Other Spiders?

Unlike other spiders, wolf spiders don’t build webs to catch their prey. Instead, they either pounce on their prey, hide in a burrow or small space and wait for their prey to pass by. They are also known to chase down their meal over short distances.  

Most spiders have poor eyesight, but wolf spiders have large eyes and excellent eyesight. Their secondary set of eyes (they have 6 eyes in total) have reflective tissue which can produce a “glowing” eyeshine as light from the sun or a flashlight is reflected back towards its source. 

Female wolf spiders carry their egg sacs on their body, in effect, carrying around her unborn offspring with her where ever she goes. She can hunt her prey while carrying around the egg sac for several weeks, another trait unique among spiders. 

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

Wolf spiders will not damage your home and can be beneficial to crops or gardens because they eat a wide variety of insects. 

Wolf spiders do have a venomous bite, however their bite is not poisonous. This means that a wolf spider bite is like a bee sting—painful, but not dangerous. A wolf spider bite is quite rare and typically only happens if they are handled. If you see a wolf spider, do not touch it or pick it up. Do not squish or flatten the spider either as you may inadvertently release hundreds of spiderlings as a result. 

How Can I Protect My Home From Wolf Spiders?

Wolf spiders enter your home accidentally but may stay if they can find enough insects to eat. To protect your home from wolf spiders, make sure to seal any cracks on the outside of your home. Check your screens for tears or holes and make sure your doors and windows are sealed tightly. 

When Should I Call Pest Control for Wolf Spiders?

If you think you may have a wolf spider infestation don’t hesitate to call a pest control professional to identify your pest issue and clarify any questions you might have.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible