Wolf Spiders

Named after their wolf-like habit of chasing and pouncing upon their prey, the wolf spider is not a pest that people enjoy finding in their homes. Most notable for their running speeds, wolf spiders actively hunt insects that walk or rest on the ground and are most active at night or when the sky is overcast. During the summer, wolf spiders try to escape hot weather by moving inside homes or structures with dark, cool, temperature-controlled environments. 

Even though spiders are beneficial due to their role as predators of insects and other arthropods, they are unpleasant to stumble across in your home. While wolf spiders do not typically bite humans, it could still happen as a reactionary or protective measure if they feel threatened. 

How to Identify Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are frequently found in dark-brown, black, or gray hues, and can grow up to 1 1/2 inch in length. They have long legs, a prominent and strong jaw, and a unique eye arrangement that sets them apart from other spiders: four small eyes in the lowest row, two very large eyes in the middle, and two smaller, widely-spaced eyes in a rear-facing top row.

Wolf spiders do not spin webs to catch prey but rather make a small thick web on the ground where they rest. These spiders typically live in burrows or under debris in soil, thick grass, and leaf litter or under stones and logs. They prefer to keep cool and thrive in darker environments.

How to Prevent Wolf Spiders

To keep wolf spiders out of your home, treatment begins on the outside. Eliminate natural nesting places for wolf spiders by mowing tall grass, cleaning up debris, and moving woodpiles away from the base of your house. Patch up any cracks or holes in the foundation that spiders and other insects can crawl through, and treat your lawn and landscape with an effective pest control product to discourage them from getting near your home. 

On the inside of your house, keeping things tidy goes a long way in preventing an outbreak of wolf spiders. This species of spider loves quiet, undisturbed places, so keeping your floors clear of excess belongings and using a broom or vacuum to pick up debris gets rid of potential hiding and nesting places. Be sure to do this often, especially in dark, cooler areas of your home such as basements.

Wolf Spider Control Solutions

Crossing paths with a spider in your home is never a good experience, and with wolf spiders laying 100 or more eggs at a time, an outbreak can occur quickly. Finding and removing wolf spiders on your own can be an extensive and time-consuming process. At PURCOR, our team of spider control experts is here to help save you time by treating your home the right way, right away. 

When you need the best pest control service throughout the United States, look no further than PURCOR. We proudly provide both residential and commercial pest control options that cover everything from ants to weeds to mice and raccoons. If you have any questions or wish to set up services with us, contact PURCOR and get your free quote today!