Summary: Wolf spiders are an extremely common Texas pest, but that doesn’t make them any less intimidating! This blog explores the unique qualities of these spiders that cause them to seem scarier than any other pest. There are 7 qualities that each get their own section to explain why that quality makes the wolf spider so intimidating. It ends with wolf spider prevention tips. Romney Pest Control provides reliable spider services in every season.
Wolf spiders are objectively the creepiest spiders we see every day.
Of course, this is technically an opinion that anyone can disagree with if they so choose. But these spiders have a lot going for them in the “scary” department. Since they’re so common in Texas, we thought it would be fun to think of all the ways that wolf spiders seem to be the scariest spiders on the block. So let’s dive into the top 7 reasons why wolf spiders are such an intimidating pest for many people.
1. They’re Hunters
We don’t know about you, but when we think of spiders, our minds go straight to the web-building kinds. Black widows and orb weavers are known for their intricate web design (maybe they should major in computer science!). On the other hand, there are actually quite a few hunting spiders that don’t spin webs very much, if at all.
Wolf spiders are the ultimate hunters, similar to actual wolves. They’re fast runners that will literally chase their prey until they’re close enough to pounce on the poor creature. Wolf spiders live alone in burrows that they only leave to hunt. Their preference for underground habitats and natural camouflage is exactly why these spiders are common in rural areas.
2. They Have Scary Appearances
When you think about it, the wolf spider has the stereotypical qualities of a nightmarish spider. Their bodies are covered in coarse hairs with stripes or patterns to help with camouflage. They’re also pretty big; some wolf spiders are up to 2 inches long! Their massive size is pretty contradictory to the camouflage abilities they get from their earth-toned coloring.
Another distinct feature of the wolf spider is its worrisome number of eyes. Its eight eyes are grouped into sections, so there are two large eyes in the front, two medium eyes on the side, and four small eyes under the large ones. Perhaps the most intimidating feature is the two large pedilaps (mouthparts) used for grabbing their prey and sensing their surroundings.
3. They Have Unique Abilities
We mentioned this in the first point, but the athletic ability of these arachnids is worth saying again. Wolf spiders can run an estimated two feet per second. Once they catch up with their prey and pounce, the spiders use their legs and pedilaps to get a strong grip on their meal. They can also climb and swim for a short time, so there’s nothing these hunters can’t do.
Wolf spiders typically hibernate in the winter, which sounds great for us — except these spiders can use our homes as shelter! However, they prefer to be near water and would need a water source in their new habitat. The combination of good water and access to pests makes any damp area an appealing spot for a wolf spider.
4. They’re Active At Night
Like many pests, wolf spiders are active at night. They have access to all kinds of nighttime pests for food. These spiders typically eat crickets, ants, spiders, and frogs. When they’re not hunting, wolf spiders hide in their burrows to stay safe. Their nocturnal habits grant them the most protection from predators, like birds and reptiles.
You might be wondering how wolf spiders manage to find all of their delectable prey since they’re searching in the dark. Well, these spiders also have the benefit of great eyesight! They detect movement in their environment, which allows them to stay one step ahead of their prey. Once they catch a critter, the wolf spider’s venom stuns and kills it.
5. They Like To Hide
Speaking of hiding, wolf spiders are experts at laying low (literally) and avoiding detection. Their favorite habitats are in meadows or grassy fields since they can blend in with the surrounding greenery. They also hide under leaves, in firewood, and under dirt. That’s why it’s important to keep up with yard work: you never know where a wolf spider could be hiding!
As much as wolf spiders love the great outdoors, they’re not afraid to claim our homes as their own. The warm Texas weather allows wolf spiders to stay active year-round if they’re sheltered. In many states, once the chilly fall and winter arrive, the spiders are determined to find a warm place to hibernate. This leads them to a house’s garage, basement, doorway, and even houseplants.
6. They’re Protective Mothers
This one sounds like a nice, positive quality on the surface. But the way that female wolf spiders care for their young is extremely off-putting when they’re in your home. Male wolf spiders live for just one year, while females live for several years. The mother produces an egg sac with 100 eggs inside, then hides it or carries it around to keep her babies safe.
The eggs hatch about 2 weeks later, and this is where it gets eerie (yet still sweet somehow). The baby spiders ride on their mother’s back for up to 2 weeks, looking to her for food and protection. Mother wolf spiders are very protective of their young, so it’s best to keep your distance. You don’t want to get close when you have hundreds of glowing eyes staring at you!
7. They Have Venomous Bites
Last but definitely not least, wolf spiders deliver a venomous bite to anyone who threatens them. They prefer to run away from danger, but wolf spiders aren’t afraid to bite when they have no choice. The venom is powerful enough to kill their prey, and it’s not fatal to humans (thankfully).
Wolf spider bites are compared to bee stings. They’re not the most painful experience you can have, but they’re not subtle either. The bites from wolf spiders are usually red, itchy, and painful. Most of them go away on their own if the person isn’t allergic to the spider’s venom. If you have a spider bite that doesn’t feel like it’s healing, seek medical attention immediately.
Fending Off Wolf Spiders
The good news about wolf spiders — despite everything you just read — is that they are like any other spider when it comes to prevention. All you have to do is keep an eye on any areas that could be used for their new habitats!
Our top prevention tips for wolf spiders are:
- Trim Plants — Trim back plants and tree limbs from the house by at least a foot. Check the yard often for any wolf spiders.
- Seal Gaps — Use waterproof caulk to seal cracks and small gaps in the house’s exterior. For larger openings, fill the hole with steel wool and line with caulk.
- Reduce Clutter — Wolf spiders love hiding, so eliminate potential hiding spots by keeping stored belongings tidy in your garage and attic/basement.
- Clean Floors — On a regular basis, clean your floors by vacuuming, mopping, and/or sweeping. This disturbs the wolf spider’s space by getting into the nooks and crannies where they hide.
- Solve Pest Issues — Spiders are very food-motivated, so eliminate their food sources by solving pre-existing pest issues. Check your home often for any signs of pest activity.
- Use Professionals — If your neighborhood has frequent trouble with spiders, especially wolf spiders, utilize a professional pest control service for consistent pest protection.
Scary Spiders Are No Match For Romney
Wolf spiders are very common in Texas, so the licensed technicians of Romney Pest Control have plenty of experience with these arachnids. We solve spider (and other pest) problems with the utmost care and efficiency. Our team starts each service by inspecting the property, then uses their observations to create a treatment plan that’s customized to solve each pest issue at hand. We welcome every question you may have along the way, as our top priority is your satisfaction with our services. Contact us today for a free quote on our reliable pest control!
Citations
Fenley, T. (2024, September 4). Are wolf spiders poisonous or just scary?. All South Pest Control. Available at https://allsouthpestcontrol.com/are-wolf-spiders-poisonous-or-just-scary/ (Accessed on January 9, 2025).
Lupo, L.J. (2024, June 23). Wolf spider: Facts, appearance, behavior, and more. The Spruce. Available at https://www.thespruce.com/how-dangerous-is-wolf-spider-2656502 (Accessed on January 9, 2025).
Szalay, J. (2024, September 17). Wolf spiders: Behavior, bites, and other facts. LiveScience. Available at https://www.livescience.com/41467-wolf-spider.html (Accessed on January 9, 2025).
What you need to know about wolf spiders. (n.d.). Big Time Pest Control. Retrieved January 9, 2025, from https://www.bigtimepestcontrol.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-wolf-spiders
