Wolf Spider Identification

What you need to know about wolf spiders

Wolf spiders shouldn't feel at home on our West Palm Beach properties, but their looks cause people to be more intimidated by them than they should. Learning about these West Palm Beach spiders through our pest guide is the best way to stop them from becoming a problem on your Florida property. 

What are wolf spiders?

The wolf spider was named because, like the wolf, these spiders will chase after and hunt down their prey. Unlike wolves, wolf spiders hunt alone, not in packs. 

There are many different types of wolf spiders in Florida, but generally, adult wolf spiders have stocky bodies and long spiny legs covered in hairs. They are typically brown or black in color with light cream or yellowish markings. The body of the wolf spider grows to between 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches. 

Another identifying feature of the wolf spider is the three rows of eight eyes on their head- two large eyes on the top of the head, two medium eyes at the sides of the head, and a row of four small eyes above the mouth of the spider.

Are wolf spiders dangerous?

Wolf spiders are certainly a danger to insects, but luckily not a threat to people. If bitten by a wolf spider, it will likely hurt; however, the venom they possess isn't typically potent enough to elicit severe reactions or health issues. No one should ever have to share their properties with these large spiders, but you also don't have to fear them!

Why do I have a wolf spider problem?

Many types of insects thrive in our year-round warm, humid climate. The more food (insects) available to spiders in Florida, the easier it is for them to survive, breed, and produce more spiders.

Any of our properties could become home to wolf spiders. Our yards, gardens, trash cans, porches, and decks provide places for these spiders to hang out and wait for their insect prey.

The more insect activity you have on your property, the more problems you are likely to experience with hungry wolf spiders. 

Where will I find wolf spiders?

Wolf spiders prefer to live outside. They live in areas that offer protection from harsh weather and predators. You will likely discover wolf spiders burrowing under logs, rocks, landscaping ties, leaf piles, and yard debris in your yard.

If you see spiders in your home, they have likely followed their insect prey inside. Since these spiders prefer to hang out at ground level, common entry points include gaps under doors, vents, and cracks in the foundation.

In our homes, wolf spiders are most likely to hang out at ground level under pieces of furniture and large appliances, behind baseboards, in crawl spaces, and under piles of dirty laundry or other clutter.

How do I get rid of wolf spiders?

If you want to eliminate wolf spiders or other common household spiders from your West Palm Beach, Florida property, contact us at Empire Pest Defense. Our experts will work closely with you to eliminate these unwanted pests through detailed inspections and effective treatments. We will keep them from returning through our ongoing services.

We are proud to be a local company that understands the pests that call West Palm Beach home. We work with our customers to deliver top-notch services, guarding people and property against Florida pests. Contact us today for information about our West Palm Beach pest control services.

How can I prevent wolf spiders in the future?

Use these practical prevention tips to help avoid attracting wolf spiders to your Florida property:

• Eliminate hiding spots by removing yard debris and general yard clutter.
• Reduce areas of standing water that wolf spiders and their insect prey will utilize.
• Limit insect activity on your property by keeping lids on trash cans and recycling bins and keeping outdoor eating areas free of leftover food.
• Cut back grass and landscaping away from the exterior of your home.

Please reach out today for more information about our residential and commercial pest control services in West Palm Beach!