Are wolf spider bites lethal to Texans? Here’s what to know about the hairy arachnids
Wolf spiders are straight out of a horror movie with their hairy bodies and long spiny legs.
The arachnids are common everywhere in the country, including Texas. While there’s no concrete “wolf spider season,” they are more prevalent in the fall when seeking warmer shelter.
Let’s take a look at how to identify wolf spiders, how to treat bite wounds and how to avoid the little critters:
What does a wolf spider look like?
A wolf spider’s defining look is the hair covering its body, according to Adams Exterminating Company.
They are black or brown in color, with gray, yellow or cream markings on the body. Like most arachnids, wolf spiders have eight legs that are long and spiny.
Wolf spiders have eight eyes across their face: four small eyes on the bottom, two large eyes in the middle and two medium eyes on top.
Are wolf spiders dangerous to humans?
Wolf spiders are venomous, but their bite is non-lethal to humans, according to pest control company Orkin.
A wolf spider bite doesn’t look dissimilar to a regular spider bite, which leaves two “pin prick” like marks. Therefore, the only wolf spider identifier is the venom’s effect on a person.
Wolf spider venom is non-lethal to most humans unless the person bitten has an allergic reaction. Orkin recommends that those bitten by any spider seek medical attention.
If anything, a wolf spider bite could leave a mark and cause pain, swelling or itching around the wound.
Where are wolf spiders found in homes?
Wolf spiders are rarely found indoors and like to stay outside, according to Terminix.
If wolf spiders are found inside, they likely walked in by accident or are seeking shelter. Wolf spiders like to hangout indoors behind doors, on windowsills, in house plants, closets and behind furniture.
Outdoors suit wolf spiders better, given their hunting methods and physical traits, according to Terminix.
Wolf spiders make habitats in woods, grasslands, shrubbery and near running water. Because of the arachnids hairy legs, they’ve been known to walk on water.
Why are they called wolf spiders?
Wolf spiders are the sprinters of the spider world, which means they stick to the ground.
Since wolf spiders don’t spin webs, they chase and pounce on their prey, according to National Geographic. Therefore, the spiders are named after wolves who also chase and pounce on their prey.
What’s the best way to get rid of wolf spiders?
If wolf spiders do make it inside, pest control company Ortho recommends homeowners try these tactics:
- Discourage wolf spiders: Take a broom or vacuum to the typical wolf spider hiding spots since they dislike loud noises.
- Block entry points: Use weather stripping, caulk and screening to close off and seal up places where wolf spiders could get in.
- Take away hiding places: Patch wall cracks and holes, seal storage boxes and get rid of clutter.
- Call pest control: If wolf spiders prove to be a continued nuisance, turning to a pest control company can help solve the problem.
This story was originally published July 15, 2024 at 5:13 PM.
