Wolf spiders are fascinating arachnids known for their speed, agility, and hunting skills. Unlike web-building spiders, they actively chase and capture their prey. About 2,400 species of wolf spiders are found worldwide.
Not only are wolf spiders intimidating, but they also have a range of interesting facts you might not know. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about wolf spiders, from their bite, whether wolf spiders are dangerous, and their size. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about these commonly misunderstood critters.
5 Common Questions About Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are often a source of curiosity and concern due to their unique appearance and behaviors. Let’s find out more about them.
1. What Is a Wolf Spider?
Wolf spiders belong to the Lycosidae family, named after the Greek word “Lycos,” which means wolf. They’re common across North America and are the most widespread spider species worldwide. Also called ground or hunting spiders, wolf spiders get their name from their hunting style – they chase and leap on their prey, much like wolves.
How to Identify Wolf Spiders: Typically, wolf spiders are dark gray, brown, or black and often have unique patterns or markings. Depending on where they live, these markings can vary as they help them blend in and stay safe from predators. Every wolf spider has eight dark eyes on its head (or cephalothorax). Two large eyes shine from the top, two more face forward, and four smaller eyes form a row just above the mouth.
2. Where Do Wolf Spiders Live?
Wolf spiders can live almost anywhere. Some species live on cold, rocky mountaintops, while others make homes in volcanic lava tubes. From rainforests to deserts, suburban lawns to grasslands, wolf spiders are thriving – and you might have seen one nearby.
When winter arrives and temperatures drop, wolf spiders may wander into your home or business. If they do, you’ll often spot them in places like:
- Garages
- Sheds
- Doorways & windows
- Closets
- Basements
- Around houseplants
- Behind furniture
Spotting a wolf spider in your home can be unsettling, especially since a wolf spider bite might occur if the spider feels threatened. However, these spiders aren’t eager to stay indoors; despite their preference for warm, humid environments, they typically struggle to thrive inside.
3. How Long Do Wolf Spiders Live?
We understand these critters can live almost anywhere, but how long do wolf spiders live exactly?
The lifespan of a wolf spider can vary based on its species, gender, and environmental factors. However, here’s how long they can live in general:
- Male Wolf Spiders: Typically, they can live for about one year or less.
- Female Wolf Spiders: They can live for several years, often living past the year they reach maturity.
4. How Big Do Wolf Spiders Get?
Wolf spider size can vary quite a bit. Most wolf spiders are between a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm) and over an inch (3 cm) in body length – not counting their legs.
The largest wolf spider species is the Desertas wolf spider, found on Deserta Grande Island in the Atlantic, with a leg span of up to 4.7 inches (12 cm). Moreover, female wolf spiders are usually bigger than the males.
5. Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?
Are you wondering, ‘Do wolf spiders bite?’ If so, can their bites be poisonous, venomous, or deadly?
To begin with, wolf spiders aren’t dangerous (or deadly) to humans, though their bite can cause pain and swelling. Unlike black widow or brown recluse bites, which can be more serious, wolf spider bites are usually harmless.
Wolf spiders are venomous, but their venom doesn’t typically affect humans. In some cases, people may have an allergic reaction to a bite. However, wolf spiders don’t often bite people. They usually only bite if they’re handled roughly or trapped against the skin. In fact, these spiders prefer to avoid human contact. If they feel threatened, they may first try to escape or raise their legs to show their fangs.
Treatment for Wolf Spider Bites
Typically, a wolf spider bite isn’t deadly or harmful. This is why, most of the time, you can treat the bite at home:
- Keep It Clean: Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. If possible, use a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Prevent Infection: Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment three times a day.
- Reduce Swelling: Use an ice pack on the wolf spider bite for 15 minutes each hour. You can also lift the bitten area to help reduce swelling.
- Relieve Itching: An ice pack can help with mild itching, but try an over-the-counter allergy medicine if that doesn’t work. Look for one labeled “antihistamine.” It helps stop itching by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases when it reacts to bites. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe, consult your doctor.
8 Additional Fascinating Facts About Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are more than just hunters; they have many intriguing characteristics that make them unique. Here are 8 fun facts about these spiders:
- Excellent Eyesight: Wolf spiders have eight eyes arranged in three rows, with the two large eyes in the middle row giving them excellent vision. This helps them locate prey and spot danger, making them some of the most visually capable spiders.
- Night Vision: Wolf spiders’ large, reflective eyes make them particularly adept at seeing in low-light conditions. If you shine a flashlight in their direction at night, their eyes will glow, much like a cat’s.
- Ground Dwellers: Unlike other spiders that build webs to capture their prey, wolf spiders are primarily ground-dwellers. They use their quick reflexes and agility to chase down insects, small animals, and even other spiders.
- Mothers Carrying Their Young: Female wolf spiders are unique among spiders in that they carry their egg sacs with them wherever they go. Once the babies hatch, they cling to their mother’s back for protection, riding along until they’re big enough to survive independently.
- Earthquake Detectors: Some studies suggest that wolf spiders can sense vibrations in the ground, allowing them to detect the slightest movements nearby. This ability may even help them feel the tremors of approaching animals or earthquakes.
- Burrowers and Climbers: Wolf spiders dig small burrows for shelter and rarely climb walls or other surfaces. However, some species climb grass and plants to catch insects in midair.
- Longevity: Wolf spiders can live for several years in the wild, with some surviving up to four years. This is relatively long for a spider, especially for one that doesn’t have the protective benefits of a web.
- Camouflage Masters: Wolf spiders have a natural camouflage that blends with soil, rocks, and leaves, making it difficult for both predators and prey to spot them.
How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders
No home or business owner wants wolf spiders to move into their property. They’re aggressive arachnids that may appear frightening – particularly to those with a severe fear of spiders.
Do you want to know how to get rid of wolf spiders? Follow these simple steps to keep them away from your property:
- Seal Entry Points: When it gets colder, wolf spiders look for warm places, sneaking in through cracks in windows, doors, screens, or small gaps in your home’s foundation. They can build homes in basements, especially if vents or wires lead inside. Seal these gaps with expandable caulking to keep them out. Sprinkling a little boric acid around your home’s entry points can also help, as it’s deadly to spiders.
- Clean Regularly: To make your home less inviting, keep it clean with regular sweeping and vacuuming. Wolf spiders like quiet areas, so they avoid spaces that are cleaned often. Sweep or vacuum your basement at least once a month to keep spiders from settling in.
- Remove Hiding Spots: Wolf spiders often hide in clutter, such as old boxes, piles of clothes, and newspapers. Keep these areas clear to make it harder for them to nest. If you find webs, clean them up. For outside, it’s best to remove piles of leaves or yard debris that could attract spiders.
Prevent Wolf Spider Bites and Protect Your Home with Preventive Pest Control
There you have it – the answers to queries like ‘Are wolf spiders deadly?’ or ‘Are wolf spiders poisonous?’ While wolf spiders are relatively harmless, their bites may cause mild discomfort. So, it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. If a wolf spider bites you, don’t fret; just follow the tips we outlined.
Are you looking to get rid of spiders in your home? Contact Preventive Pest Control. With over 20 years of experience, we offer expert solutions to tackle your spider problems. Our services include preventive treatments and preventative measures to keep your home spider-free. We offer ongoing subscription plans for regular inspections and treatments in the Inland Empire and Orange County areas of Southern California.
Contact us today for a free quote!