What are Wolf Spiders?

Wolf spiders are large, fast-moving spiders that are commonly found across North America. Unlike many spiders, they do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they actively hunt insects and other small pests on the ground, which is how they earned their name. Wolf spiders are usually brown or gray with distinct stripes or markings, and their size and speed often alarm homeowners. They are nocturnal hunters and can be found indoors or outdoors, especially in areas with plenty of insect activity.

Signs of Wolf Spider Infestation

• Large, hairy spiders moving quickly across floors or walls
• Spiders hiding under furniture, baseboards, or in dark corners
• Egg sacs carried by female spiders attached to their abdomens
• Baby spiders riding on the back of adult females after hatching
• Frequent sightings of ground-dwelling spiders in basements, garages, or sheds

Why They are a Problem

Wolf spiders are not aggressive, but their size and speed make them intimidating. They can bite if provoked, which may cause mild pain, swelling, and redness similar to a bee sting. Unlike other spiders, they often wander openly, which increases the chance of human encounters. Their presence indoors can be unsettling, especially in large numbers. While they help control insect populations outdoors, inside homes and businesses they are considered a nuisance pest.

Where Do They Come From?

Wolf spiders prefer to live outdoors in grassy areas, gardens, under rocks, and in leaf litter. They may enter buildings accidentally when searching for food or shelter. Common entry points and attractants include:

• Cracks in foundations, siding, and windows
• Gaps under doors and garage entrances
• Basements, crawl spaces, and storage areas
• Outdoor lighting that attracts the insects they feed on
• Cluttered areas indoors where they can hide during the day

How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of wolf spiders, here are some practical steps:

• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations to block entry
• Reduce outdoor lighting to minimize insect activity around your home
• Keep basements, garages, and crawl spaces clean and free of clutter
• Vacuum regularly to remove spiders, egg sacs, and insects they feed on
• Trim grass, shrubs, and vegetation away from the foundation to reduce outdoor harborage

These methods can help reduce wolf spider activity, but persistent problems often require professional pest control services.

Wolf Spiders vs Brown Recluse Spiders

Wolf spiders are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders, but there are key differences:

• Wolf spiders are larger, hairy, and patterned with stripes, while brown recluses are smaller, smooth, and have a violin-shaped marking on their backs
• Wolf spiders carry their egg sacs and babies on their bodies, while brown recluses do not
• Wolf spiders are ground hunters and move quickly, while brown recluses prefer to hide in clothing, boxes, or dark spaces
• Brown recluse bites are medically significant, while wolf spider bites are typically mild

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide safe and effective treatments to manage wolf spider infestations. Our technicians inspect your property to identify entry points, reduce conducive conditions, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate spiders and the insects they feed on. We also implement long-term prevention strategies to keep wolf spiders from returning. With our professional services, you can maintain a pest-free home or business and avoid unwanted encounters with these fast-moving spiders.