Although most people know that spiders are largely beneficial creatures, they can’t help but feel uneasy whenever a spider is spotted nearby. When a wolf spider is present, that unease is often kicked up a notch or two due by the scary appearance wolf spiders have. Beyond their big, hairy bodies, though, are wolf spiders anything to fear? Here’s what Bay Area property owners ought to know about wolf spiders.
What Are Wolf Spiders?
Wolf spiders are arachnids with large, hairy bodies. Usually brown with other colored markings, wolf spiders vary greatly in size depending on their sex. Male wolf spiders range from a quarter of an inch to three-quarters of an inch in size while females grow from three-eighths of an inch to almost an inch and a half.
You may think that wolf spiders get their name from their hairy and scary appearance, but that’s not the case. They get their name because instead of catching their food in webs like most spiders, they chase their prey down like wolves.
Where Do Wolf Spiders Live?
Wolf spiders prefer living outdoors and usually find areas where they are somewhat secluded. Favorite outdoor spots for wolf spiders include under stones, woodpiles, leaves, and other lawn debris.
Typically wolf spiders get inside Bay Area homes while hunting for food. Although they prefer to be outdoors, once they get into your house, they’ll stay if they find a steady food source. When they live inside, they try to stay away from people and spend most of their time near the floor level, along walls, and under furniture.
Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?
There’s no doubt about it, coming across a female wolf spider when you’re not expecting it is enough to make most people nearly jump out of their skin. Their large size and speed are scary, especially if you’re already scared of spiders. But are wolf spiders dangerous?
The good news is that wolf spiders are considered nuisance pests. They don’t spread diseases or cause serious damage to your house, and while they do bite, it's rare. They steer clear of humans as much as possible and will only bite if they feel threatened.
However, the most concerning thing about having wolf spiders in your Bay Area home is that they might be there because you have another pest infestation. Wolf spiders won’t stick around if there isn’t food available, so if you have a wolf spider problem in your house, it indicates that you have other potentially dangerous pests in your home as well.
How Can Wolf Spiders Be Prevented?
There are several things you can do to help prevent wolf spiders from getting into your house.
- Inspect the outside of your house for any gaps, cracks, or holes and fill them to prevent wolf spiders from using them to access the inside of your home.
- Check your windows and doors for gaps, and fix any that you find.
- Check all screens for tears or holes and repair them.
- If any exterior doors have gaps at the bottom, install door sweeps.
- Remove leaf litter and lawn debris from your property.
- Keep woodpiles stored at a safe distance from your home.
- Check your home for signs of other pests. If you find any, consider getting professional pest control services performed.
What Should You Do If You Have Wolf Spiders In Your Bay Area Home?
If you find wolf spiders in your Bay Area home or signs of other pests, it might be time for professional pest control. Bay Pest has the experience and knowledge necessary to identify pests in your house properly. We can determine how they’re getting inside, find where they’re spending their time, and develop an effective pest control plan that's safe for your family. Our methods get at the root of your problem to fully eliminate it.
If you are seeing wolf spiders in or around your house and aren’t sure what to do about them, contact Bay Pest today. We are happy to answer your questions and help you determine your best course of action.