S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Spiders » Wolf Spiders:

Wolf Spiders
Family Lycosidae
Color: Varies from dark brown to black
Legs: Eight
Shape: Round
Size: 1/4" to 1 1/2"
Antennae: No
Flight: No

Wolf spiders are the largest spiders found in Nebraska. Their bodies are covered with short hairs in shades of brown, black, gray, white, yellow, or green. They do not make webs or web snares, but instead hunt for prey. Some of these spiders shelter under leaves or debris while others construct retreats in shallow tunnels or dig deep burrows.

Wolf spiders often alarm homeowners because they are large and move very quickly. We see most of these spiders in the fall when concerned homeowners find them in their garages or in and around the house. Wolf spiders are not "house spiders" and will likely die in the home. They are considered accidental invaders. These beneficial spiders can be removed and placed back outdoors where they belong.

As with any spider, do not pick them up with your bare hands. Place a cup over the spider, then gently slide a piece of paper or cardboard under the cup. You can then carry the cup with the spider outdoors and release it away from the home.

Prevention:

The best approach for controlling spiders is through placement of sticky traps to capture a few spiders that may have entered. Maintaining sticky traps behind furniture, to either side of exterior doors, and in the garage is an excellent way to intercept most spiders as they enter.

Install tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent entry.
Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders can enter the house.
Install yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors since these attract fewer insects for spiders to feed upon.
Be sure to dust and vacuum frequently around windows, corners of rooms, shelves, under furniture, and behind mirrors and pictures.
If you see spider egg sacs, remove them.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.