What to Know About Wolf Spiders (2024)

The wolf spider (Hogna aspersa) is a hunting spider with a striped, hairy body that is exceedingly large, measuring up to 2 inches long in some instances. Wolf spiders are a very common sight in many states across the United States, where scientists have identified more than 125 species. Though the wolf spider is not aggressive or poisonous, it has a harmful bite so it's best to avoid it when you see one. Wolf spiders live and hunt alone and have a wolflike habit of chasing down their prey. Keep these facts about the creature in mind as you spend time outdoors.

What Do Wolf Spiders Look Like?

The average wolf spider can range from 1/2 to 2 inches long. Female wolf spiders are typically larger than males. Wolf spiders are identifiable thanks to their hairy body, which ranges in color from orangish-brown to gray or black and features splotches or stripes that give them a camouflaged look. The eight eyes of the wolf spider are set in three rows of three different sizes, with two medium-sized eyes on top of its head, two large eyes front and center, and four small eyes below those. Like all spiders, the wolf spider has eight legs, but it also has an additional two tiny leg-like appendages (pedipalps) extending out the front of its face.

The young wolf spiders look much the same as the adults, although their coloring may vary or change as they grow. Mother spidersmay sometimes be seen with the young riding on their backs or bellies until they are independent enough to go off on their own.

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

Wolf spiders are not aggressive and will not bite unless frightened or provoked. Although the wolf spider'sbite is not deadly, it can be very painful. Wolf spiders typically only bite humans if they are handled or touched. They usually avoid humans and run away when people are nearby.

Like their namesake animal, wolf spiders chase and leap on their prey instead of weaving a web to entrap them. Typically, their diet consists of insects like other small spiders, ants, grasshoppers, and more—though they have been known to also hunt small frogs and other reptiles. They are nocturnal creatures and will do the majority of their hunting and wandering at night.

This solitary spider hunts on the ground, which is how it has earned two more common names: ground spider and hunting spider. It can run, climb, and swim but rarely does so unless hunting prey. Unlike theorb-weaver spider, whichoperates primarily by feel, the wolf spider uses its vision to communicate. For example, when a spider waves its front legs to another wolf spider, the second spiderknows exactly what is meant.

Where Do Wolf Spiders Live?

Wolf spiders live in many regions of the United States and are typically concentrated in Missouri,Texas, and California. They are commonly found in open areas such as grasslands and meadows where there are plenty of insects to feed on. They can also harbor infirewood,ground tunnels; orunder leaf piles and other ground clutter.

In some areas, wolf spiderscan be a very common pest in the fall when they're seeking shelter from the cooling temperatures, a practice that often drives them indoors. In the home, they may be found around door or window frames, in houseplants, and basem*nts and garages. They do not like people and will likely scurry away when they hear your footsteps.

Wolf Spider Control

It is fairly difficult to eradicate or control wolf spiders entirely from your property, especially considering they must come in direct physical contact with any pesticide to die. Because these spiders are solitary creatures, they generally are spotted alone, and killing off individual spiders can be a tedious and daunting task.

To help dissuade wolf spiders from entering your home, seal up any cracks, crevices, gaps, and other openings in your home, concentrating around the exterior structure, foundation, doors, and windows. Discarding piles of old paper and boxes and keeping your home clean can also help to reduce potential spots where the spider may seek out shelter.

When using any pesticide to control insects, it's always best to enlist a professional, who can recommend the best course of action for your specific home and problem. If you choose to go about spraying on your own, be sure to read andfollow all label directions closely. Make sure that the site (indoors, along the foundation, outside, etc.) is listed on the label, and use only products labeled for spiders or nuisance pests. Additionally, it's a good idea to keep any pets or young children away from the application site for the recommended time after spraying or applying pesticides.