If you have a fear of spiders, the sight of a wolf spider would likely have you running for the hills. Wolf spiders are big, hairy, and fast. However, like most common house spiders, they’re actually pretty harmless. That being said, you probably don’t want these giant spiders hanging out inside your house. In this guide, we’ll explore how to identify wolf spiders, ways to prevent them, and how to safely remove them from your home.
How To Identify Wolf Spiders
It’s fairly easy to distinguish wolf spiders from other common house spiders found in Alabama. Wolf spiders are relatively large, often growing over an inch long, not including their legs. They also have a robust and athletic build and are quite hairy. There are many different types of wolf spiders, ranging in color from brown, black, gray, or tan. They sometimes have darker stripes or markings on their bodies as well. Wolf spiders have eight eyes total, with two enlarged eyes in the center of their heads.
These spiders also have unique behaviors that can set them apart from other species. Instead of spinning webs to catch prey, wolf spiders run quickly to chase down their meals. Female wolf spiders transport their egg sacs by attaching them to the spinnerets on their abdomens and they later carry their babies on their backs. If you ever see a large spider covered in hundreds of tiny spiders, this is likely a female wolf spider.
Wolf spiders can look similar to other species, including tarantulas, fishing spiders, and jumping spiders. If you’re not sure which spiders you have in your home, a pest control professional can help you identify them.
The Dangers Of Wolf Spiders On Your Property
Most spiders found in homes are harmless to humans. While almost all spiders are technically venomous, the venom of most species does not present a problem for humans. Also, spiders are generally not aggressive and rarely bite.
Wolf spiders are not dangerous to humans. While they may bite if provoked, these bites are harmless and do not require medical attention. Wolf spider bites may produce mild pain, swelling, or itching, but these symptoms will quickly subside. While wolf spiders can’t hurt you, you may mistakenly identify a more dangerous spider as a wolf spider. Brown recluse and black widow spiders both have venomous bites that can have severe symptoms.
Wolf spiders are not a threat to people and can even be beneficial, as they prey on insect pests like cockroaches, crickets, ants, and flies. Still, most people would prefer not to share their homes with large, creepy spiders. Also, if you mistake a brown recluse or black widow spider for a wolf spider, this could come back to bite you (pun intended.) It’s always best to err on the side of caution and get rid of any spiders in your home. In the next section, learn how to safely remove wolf spiders from your property.
The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Wolf Spiders
While wolf spiders will not go out of their way to attack you, they may bite if you attempt to handle them. To safely get rid of wolf spiders, it’s best to call in the professionals. In Baldwin County, Prewett Pest Control & Termite is your source for safe and effective spider control.
The experts at Prewett Pest Control & Termite are trained and experienced in eliminating spiders. We will thoroughly inspect and treat your property for spiders, so you can sleep easily knowing that your home is spider-free. We provide modern, convenient, and effective service in Baldwin County, Daphne, Orange Beach, Fairhope, and Foley. If wolf spiders are keeping you up at night, reach out to us for spider control service today.
How To Keep Wolf Spiders Away From Your Property
Our Baldwin County pest control professionals can easily get rid of the spiders in your home, but there are also ways you can prevent them from entering in the first place. Here are some steps you can take to keep wolf spiders away from your property:
- Install screens on all windows and doors.
- Seal cracks or holes on the outside of your home.
- Regularly clean and declutter your home, especially storage areas, basements, closets, and underneath furniture.
- Cut grass and trim shrubbery and trees around your home’s exterior.
- Store firewood away from your home.
- Reduce insect pests that spiders prey on by storing trash properly and maintaining a clean home.
These tips can help keep wolf spiders, and other species, from entering your home. Reducing insect populations that wolf spiders prey on is another important component to spider control. Contact Prewett Pest Control & Termite to eliminate and prevent spiders and other pests.