If the thought of eight-legged critters scurrying around your home makes your skin crawl, you’re not alone. Wolf spiders, with their large size and hairy bodies, can strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest homeowners.
Interestingly, wolf spiders are different from many other types of spiders because they don’t spin webs. Instead, these agile hunters rely on their speed and keen senses to catch prey. While this might make them fascinating creatures in the wild, it makes them less than welcome indoors.
In this blog post, you’ll learn all about wolf spiders, including where they hide and the most effective methods to remove them from your home. Let’s get started!
What Are Wolf Spiders?
Wolf spiders belong to the family Lycosidae, which includes over 2,300 species worldwide. These spiders are known for their excellent eyesight and fast-running capabilities. Unlike many other spiders, wolf spiders do not spin webs to catch their prey. Instead, they actively hunt insects and other small creatures.
Typically, wolf spiders have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their large, hairy bodies and long legs. Their coloration varies, but they often display shades of brown, gray, and black.
While their appearance can be intimidating, wolf spiders are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, a bite from a wolf spider can cause mild discomfort and itching, similar to a bee sting.
Where Do Wolf Spiders Hide?
Knowing where wolf spiders tend to hide can help you prevent chance encounters (great for rom-coms, not so great for unexpectedly encountering eight-legged pests in your home).
These spiders are nocturnal and prefer dark, secluded areas where they can hunt unnoticed. Some common hiding spots include:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Garages and sheds
- Woodpiles and garden debris
- Under furniture and appliances
Signs of a Wolf Spider Infestation
Unlike other spiders, wolf spiders do not leave behind webs that will help you identify them and root out potential hiding spots. Instead, you’ll need to look for the following indicators:
- Increased sightings of fast-moving spiders, especially at night
- Egg sacs or spiderlings in hidden areas
- Molted exoskeletons around entry points or hiding spots
If you notice any of these signs, know that it’s time to take action and implement effective removal strategies.
4 DIY Methods to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders
If you’re a hands-on kind of homeowner, there are several DIY methods you can use to get rid of wolf spiders. These techniques are practical, safe, and environmentally friendly:
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Keeping your home clean and clutter-free is one of the most effective ways to prevent spider infestations. Regularly vacuuming and dusting can remove spider eggs, webs, and potential prey. Not only that but reducing clutter eliminates hiding spots that wolf spiders love.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent spiders from entering your home. Weatherstripping and caulking are simple yet effective solutions for keeping these pests outside where they belong.
3. Use Natural Repellents
Natural repellents can be an excellent alternative to chemical pesticides. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender have strong scents that spiders dislike.
Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where spiders are likely to enter or hide.
4. Set Up Traps
Sticky traps can be an effective way to catch and monitor spider activity. Place traps in areas where you’ve seen spider activity, such as basements, garages, and along baseboards. Check the traps regularly and dispose of any captured spiders.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
While DIY methods can be effective, there are times when professional pest control is necessary and unavoidable. If you have a severe infestation or are unable to eliminate the spiders on your own, it’s time to call in the experts.
Hiring a professional pest control service offers several benefits, including:
- Expertise in identifying and eliminating spider infestations
- Access to specialized tools and treatments
- Long-term prevention strategies to keep spiders away
For homeowners in Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix, Green Magic Pest Control is your go-to solution for spider infestations. Our team of experienced professionals uses eco-friendly methods to safely and effectively eliminate spiders from your home.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you have successfully removed the wolf spiders from your home, you can’t just rest on your laurels – you need to take steps to keep your home free of spiders in the future.
Dedicate time once per month to conduct inspections of your home. This will help you identify and address potential entry points and hiding spots. Look for cracks, gaps, and cluttered areas where spiders may hide.
Keeping your yard well-maintained can similarly reduce the likelihood of spiders entering your home. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and remove garden debris to eliminate potential hiding spots.
Finally, remember that spiders are attracted to outdoor lights, which can draw them closer to your home. Use yellow or sodium vapor lights instead of white lights to reduce spider attraction. Consider placing outdoor lights away from entry points.
Wolf spiders may admittedly be fascinating creatures, but they definitely don’t belong in your home. If you need professional help, Green Magic Pest Control in Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix is just a phone call away.
