If you live in Auburn, AL, it is likely that you've seen a wolf spider. They are the hairy spiders that are about the size of your palm. The most common wolf spider we see in our area has a brown coloration and two black lines on its back. If you see these spiders around your property, there are a few things you should know about them.
Wolf Spiders Are Hunters
Wolf spiders are hunter spiders. They don't make a web to catch their prey. They hunt for their prey. If these spiders start hanging out around your home, they're not going to make messy webs—but they're also not going to let you know they're lurking in the shadows. Spider webs are a helpful warning sign to let you know how many spiders you have around your home.
Wolf Spider Bites
Should you be concerned about these hunter spiders moving around on your property? A little. But, you don't need to be overly concerned. Wolf spiders would rather move away from you than bite you. If you are bitten by a wolf spider, it can feel like you've been stung by a wasp, but the venom is not likely to cause more than an itchy welt on your skin. If you are allergic to the venom, you may experience symptoms, such as a rapid pulse, dizziness, or nausea. These symptoms are rare. The only concern is when wolf spiders start to get inside your home, and you come in close contact with them.
The Female Wolf Spider Carries Her Eggs
This type of spider, of which there are many species, will carry her egg sac underneath her abdomen. Many other spiders create their egg sacs in their webs. When one of these other spiders creates a web in your yard, you can dispose of it, along with all the spiderlings that are in her eggs. Some webs can have as many as 300 eggs. You won't be able to do this with wolf spiders.
Wolf Spider Spiderlings
When the eggs of a wolf spider hatch, the spiders emerge and climb onto the back of their mother. She'll carry them around like this for as much as a week. If you see a spider that looks like it has a bunch of bumps on its back, it could be a wolf spider carrying her offspring.
Why Wolf Spiders Get Into Auburn Properties
If wolf spiders come into your yard and find food to eat, they may hang out near your home in shaded areas, and in the dampness of your vegetation. Your landscaping is likely to be the perfect habitat for wolf spiders. Unfortunately, this brings them close to your exterior walls, where they might find an entry point. The secret to keeping wolf spiders out of your home is linked to the food they eat, and the availability of access points.
Wolf Spider Prevention
- Reduce moisture around your home to reduce insect populations as this is the food wolf spiders eat. You'll also reduce these spiders directly because they are attracted to moist habitats.
- Address conditions that allow rainwater to be collected. This could be an area where the ground is saturated, or it might be an object that is capturing rain.
- Remove objects from your yard that provide a space for wolf spiders to hide underneath. Wolf spiders hide under objects and wait for prey.
- Fill in ground holes. Wolf spiders use ground holes as a retreat. They'll often line a hole with webbing. This provides protection for them when they are trying to get away from a predator.
- Remove unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping to create a dry, open environment. This will reduce its appeal to bugs and the wolf spiders that eat them.
- Do an inspection of your exterior and fill in any gaps you find. Pay particular attention to openings that are near the ground.
- Make sure your screens, door sweeps, and weather stripping are in good working condition. Your exterior offers many entry points for spiders and other bugs.
You're Not Alone
Remember that the pest professionals here at Prewett Pest Control can provide ongoing pest control around your home to manage wolf spiders, bugs, and rodents. Learn more by reaching out to us today. We're standing by to assist you with all your pest control needs.