S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Spiders » Woodlouse Hunter:

Woodlouse Hunter
Dysdera crocata
Color: Brown with light, pinkish tan back end
Legs: Eight
Shape: Round
Size: 1/4" to 1 1/2"
Antennae: No
Flight: No

This medium-sized spider has three pair of legs directed forward and one pair back. It has 6 eyes, closely grouped together. People are often concerned about this spider because it has two enormous, sinister-looking fangs. Its long jaws are used to hunt woodlice, including pillbugs and sowbugs.

The woodlouse hunter has distinctive coloration: head and thorax of the woodlouse hunter is brown, legs are reddish-orange, and abdomen is pinkish-tan. The spiders rest during the day under stones, bark or other objects in a silken cell in which the female spider lays her eggs. It is an active hunting spider, feeding at night. It is often found around buildings. It is considered an accidental invader in 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.