Wolf Spiders In West Palm Beach: What You Need To Know


January 30, 2022

There are many types of spiders in West Palm Beach. Many can be seen building their webs between trees, on bushes, and in other areas. Other species do not build webs at all but instead hunt from the ground. One common ground-hunting spider is the wolf spider. This common arachnid loves to invade homes in our area and will cause some trouble when it does so. To help you better understand wolf spiders in West Palm Beach, here is what you need to know today.

a wolf spider on a piece of wood

Do Wolf Spiders Produce Silk?

Although wolf spiders do not make intricate webs, they do produce silk. The primary use for this silk is to produce egg sacs. These egg sacs are carried around by female wolf spiders and the eggs will typically hatch within one to two weeks after being laid. 

Why Do Wolf Spiders Invade Homes

The wolf spider does not invade West Palm Beach homes for the same reasons many other pests do. In fact, this pest prefers to live outdoors. The main reason the wolf spider comes indoors is to hunt. What do wolf spiders eat? Well, they mainly hunt other ground insects like beetles, cockroaches, and centipedes. If given the opportunity, they will also catch and consume flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects. 

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

All spiders are venomous spiders, however, all venomous spiders are not dangerous. Wolf spiders are one species that does cause some harm but they are not a serious risk to human health. A bite from one of these pests is likened to that of a bee sting and is not life-threatening to individuals who are not allergic to insect venom. If you are allergic to insect venom, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about your risk of being bitten by a wolf spider.

How To Identify A Wolf Spider

Although wolf spiders are not the most harmful pests in our area, they are certainly among the scariest. Identify this arachnid by its large furry dark brown body, long legs, bulbous abdomen, pale yellow stripes or markings, and the two dark bands that run behind its head. If a wolf spider is inside your home, it will gravitate to secluded areas like basements, storage rooms, and closets. When moving boxes and other stored items, be careful where you place your hands if you suspect these pests are around.

Some Strategies To Prevent Venomous Spiders

When it comes to keeping venomous spiders out of West Palm Beach homes, there are a few different options available to you. The first is DIY prevention. This involves eliminating entry points and addressing factors that draw spiders (and the pests they invade to hunt) indoors. Here are a few basic tips and tricks to use today.

  • Address moisture problems such as leaky piping and humidity.
  • Keep your living areas clean and tidy.
  • Trim your grass and landscaping.
  • Seal holes, gaps, and cracks around your home’s foundation.
  • Make sure your window/door screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps are in good working order.
  • Turn off exterior lights at night.

The Way To Keep Wolf Spiders Out

Of all the ways you could deter and eliminate wolf spiders, your absolute best option is to hire the experts at Empire Pest Defense. We offer our community a variety of pest control services to combat venomous spiders. From thorough identification to long-term prevention treatments, we have whatever you need to keep wolf spiders (and the pests they invade to hunt) out of your living areas.

Contact our team now to learn more about our spider control and discover what options are available for you to combat dangerous spiders.

Tags: spider control | common house spiders | spider prevention |