If spiders creep you out, you won’t like the wolf spider. They have hairy bodies with three rows of beady eyes. They’re also larger than other common household spiders, with some species growing as big as tarantulas.
While you probably don’t want anything to do with them, it helps to know how they look and behave. That way, you can identify their presence in your home and take the necessary measures to control them. Let’s review some of their traits, including size and appearance, and what draws them to your living space.
If wolf spiders keep giving you jump scares, pest control specialists can help manage their population. They have the tools and expertise to keep these spiders in check and bring peace back into your home.
How to Identify Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are common household pests, with over 240 species in North America alone. They’re especially rampant when temperatures drop outside in fall and winter, coming into our homes to seek shelter and warmth. You’ll likely spot them around windows, doors, garages, basements and house plants.
Here are some wolf spider characteristics that can help you identify them.
Size
So, how big can a wolf spider get? Wolf spiders are generally half an inch to two inches in length. However, some species can grow larger, with legs as long as three inches. That confuses homeowners into thinking they have a tarantula problem.
Appearance
Wolf spiders are usually brown or gray and sport various markings on their bodies. While they look similar to the brown recluse, they lack the distinct violin-shaped marking on the head.
Wolf spiders can be extra repulsive to homeowners because of their hairy bodies and thick, gangly legs. Their eye arrangement doesn’t help. They have three rows of eyes: the top row with two medium eyes, the middle with two massive eyes and the bottom with four tiny eyes. As you can imagine, they have excellent eyesight. If you wave a flashlight around at night, you might see their eyes gleaming back at you.
Behavior
While other spiders wait patiently for their next meal, wolf spiders are more proactive. Instead of spinning webs to trap insects, they roam around at night in search of their next meal.
Their love for chasing and pouncing on their prey has earned them the name “wolf.” They have impressive running speeds thanks to their strong legs, which can cover two feet per second. In addition, the hairs on their bodies make them extra sensitive to touch, helping them detect nearby prey.
Wolf spiders’ hunting time depends on the species. Some prefer to hunt during the day, while others prowl at night. They have a penchant for small insects, including ants, crickets, flies and grasshoppers.
Habitat
You can find wolf spiders by the thousands outdoors, hanging around houses and buildings. They have a particular attraction to structures with lush greenery. Their favorite hiding spots are grass, leaf litter, logs and rocks. Their nests are underground, built like tubes and lined with silk. Some wolf spiders construct turrets above their nests or conceal the entrances with rubbish for protection.
While wolf spiders usually live outside, they like to share in the warmth of our homes in the colder months. Door gaps, window openings and exterior wall cracks are all possible entryways for them.
Despite their shocking size and menacing looks, wolf spiders are generally harmless. But that doesn’t mean homeowners want to be roommates with these eight-legged creatures. If wolf spiders take over your home, let a professional come to the rescue. A pest control specialist knows the best methods to manage their population and can prevent them from entering your living space.
What is the Lifespan of a House Wolf Spider?
Are you dealing with wolf spiders at home? You’re probably wondering how long these creepy crawlies will stick around. Males have a shorter lifespan of around a year, while females can live up to three years.
All wolf spiders start as eggs and look like tiny adults when hatched. Female wolf spiders are caring mothers, protecting their eggs in a silk sac. The sac is attached to the female’s abdomen so it can be dragged everywhere. Once the spiderlings hatch, they’ll hitch a ride on their mother’s back for several weeks until they can hunt and feed themselves. They will shed their skin several times as they grow into adults.
Most wolf spiders are nocturnal. They are active hunters at night, patrolling the ground for smaller spiders, insects and other similar prey. Because of their large numbers, hunting skills and diet of insects, wolf spiders play a crucial part in the ecosystem. However, they become a nuisance when they enter homes, scaring people with their large size.
While wolf spiders benefit the environment, they are not welcome guests in our homes. If you hate seeing these large, hairy arachnids, it’s time to contact a pest control specialist. The best time to be proactive is during the colder months when wolf spiders typically wander into our homes. Experts know how to keep them outside where they belong and control their population.
What Attracts Wolf Spiders in the House?
Wolf spiders thrive in large numbers in their natural habitats. They have all the insects they can eat outdoors. So why do they come into our homes? No, they are not intentionally trying to scare you. Here are some things around your home that may attract these large, long-legged spiders.
Clutter
You might call the clutter in your home “organized chaos,” but to wolf spiders, it is a hiding place. Items left on the floor or corners of the house are peaceful sanctuaries for these creatures. Keeping your space clutter-free can help prevent wolf spiders from residing in your home.
Moisture
Like other spiders, wolf spiders gravitate toward moisture in our homes. They need water to survive and will seek out damp places for hydration. Leaky pipes, wet laundry and humid basements are like water coolers to them. You can make these spiders less at home by fixing leaks, placing dehumidifiers in moist areas and thoroughly drying your laundry before bringing it inside.
Pet Food
If you have furry family members, their leftover food can attract insects, drawing in wolf spiders. If you don’t want wolf spiders coming to your home for lunch, store pet food in airtight containers and clean up leftover food once your pets have finished eating.
Houseplants
While potted plants liven up your space, they can also be hiding places for wolf spiders. Soil can attract insects, giving wolf spiders more reason to break into your home. It is crucial to inspect your plants regularly for pests and remove decaying matter.
Yard Waste and Compost
Compost bins and yard waste are irresistible to insects. When you have bugs crawling all over your yard and garden, wolf spiders will come to hunt. They might eventually enter your home to search for more prey. You can prevent this by securing your compost bins and moving them away from your house. It also helps to clean up yard waste regularly.
Woodpiles
Wolf spiders love to take shelter under logs in their natural habitats. Woodpiles are attractive to them for the same reason. Keep your wood piles off the floor and away from the house to eliminate possible hiding places.
Entryways
One reason wolf spiders are entering your home is that they can. These creatures have no problem squeezing through small openings like door gaps, poorly sealed vents and wall cracks. Close off all possible entryways to keep these creatures out.
If you’ve done everything you can to make your home unattractive to wolf spiders but to no avail, it’s time to get professional help. A pest control specialist will implement effective measures to deter these pesky arachnids and manage their population.
Leave Your Pest Problems to the Experts
If wolf spiders, grass spiders or wasp nests are stealing your peace, let pest control specialists take over. These experts will assess the level of infestation on your property and provide the most ideal solution. They can also perform regular checkups to prevent future infestations.
ABC Can Reduce the Number of Wolf Spiders on Your Property
Finding spiders around your property can be concerning. You can feel more comfortable by contacting ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our pros create custom spider control solutions, so you don’t have to worry about so many wolf spiders and other common household spiders.
