Most people associate spiders with webs, but the wolf spider does not use a web to find food. Instead, this fast-running spider chases down prey. Wolf spiders tend to lurk in dark, cluttered spaces found in any Doylestown area home or business. These spiders are among the most feared arachnid species in the area due to their size combined their hairy bodies.
Although most people fear wolf spiders, there is little actual reason to do so. In fact, wolf spiders feed upon many insects that are considered pests, including those species that are known to cause enormous damage to crops.
Typically, wolf spiders wander indoors by accident, but if a large number of spiders is encountered indoors, this may indicate a larger pest problem. An inspection by a licensed exterminator is needed to determine which pest species are infesting the property so that proper control measures may be utilized.
WHAT DO WOLF SPIDERS LOOK LIKE?
Wolf spiders are arachnids with two body parts, the abdomen and cephalothorax, and eight legs. The body may appear stout or robust while the legs are long and covered in spines. Their chelicerae, or mouthparts, resemble fangs, which is helpful for hunting. Equipped with eight eyes, the wolf spider is well-adapted for hunting in the dark. They are covered with dark fur that may be brown, gray or black. Females may measure between three-eighths of an inch and one-and-three-eighths-inch while males are between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch long.
WHERE DO WOLF SPIDERS LIVE?
Wherever insects are, wolf spiders are likely to follow. A field or open grassland is suitable natural habitat, and these spiders also may be found in backyards in the suburbs or in forested areas. The vegetation along lakes and streams further provides ideal conditions. This spider may burrow into the ground when it needs to rest or escape dropping temperatures.
Wolf spiders do come indoors, most frequently when the weather gets cold. Doylestown area residents may discover wolf spiders in basements, attics, garages, sheds, crawl spaces and storage rooms as they are common places to find these spiders resting or hunting for prey.
WHAT DO WOLF SPIDERS EAT?
With their ability to run fast and see incredibly well in dark places, the wolf spider is adapted to hunt prey such as flies, ants, grasshoppers, crickets and earwigs. Accordingly, some people view wolf spiders as a beneficial species.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WOLF SPIDERS
The wolf spider's appearance may be fearsome, but this is not a pest that causes damage. It is attracted to dark, cluttered, dusty areas, so general cleaning around the property may make the species less likely to come indoors.
ARE WOLF SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
With their prominent fangs, the wolf spider looks like it could cause a significant injury. However, this species rarely bites people unless it is mishandled. Even when bites do occur, severe reactions are rare.
In fact, the wolf spider typically tries to run away and hide when it encounters a person. Someone who picks up, squeezes or otherwise touches a wolf spider may cause the creature to feel threatened, resulting in a bite.
DO WOLF SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
Wolf spiders do not spread diseases to people, but they may bite if a person handles them. Common reactions to this bite include swelling, redness, pain and itching. Most bite victims say that the reaction is similar to that which is experienced with a wasp sting.
Bites may be treated with ice or a baking soda compress to minimize the symptoms. A cold towel placed over the bite can help to prevent the spread of the venom while also controlling swelling and pain. If complications ensue, it may be necessary to take an over-the-counter antihistamine. Rare people may develop a fever or additional symptoms. If this occurs, then medical treatment is recommended.
HOW TO DETECT WOLF SPIDERS
Signs of a wolf spider issue include:
• Visual sightings of large, hairy spiders • The property has a large population of insects
HOW TO PREVENT WOLF SPIDERS
To help protect against wolf spider problem the following steps should be taken:
• Eliminate indoor clutter • Keep storage rooms tidy and well lit • Ensure that landscaping is neatly trimmed • Cut lawns a bit shorter to remove wolf spider habitat • Have regular pest control treatments and inspections performed to eliminate food for the wolf spiders • Install sweeps on all doors • Look for gaps and cracks in the building's exterior that need to be covered or filled • Ensure that all windows and doors are equipped with screens • Eliminate standing water and fix water leaks as these attract insects on which wolf spiders feed
HOW TO TREAT FOR WOLF SPIDERS
Spider treatment involves the detection and elimination of all webs. If this is not done, the spiders are likely to re-infest the structure. Generally, it is not possible to completely eliminate spiders with do-it-yourself products. As such, successful spider eradication should be left for a pest control professional who has the tools and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we don't take your spider problems lightly. That's why we use a multifaceted process including the treatment of wall voids, attics, and cracks and crevices throughout the premise with gels, dusts, and other specialized products.
