The largest wolf spiders in North America, Carolina wolf spiders have robust bodies covered with short hairs. They are primarily brown or gray with darker mottled markings. Their carapace often features a prominent dark stripe running down the middle, while their abdomen has lighter and darker patches. These arachnids range in size from .7 to 1.4 inches, excluding their long legs.
Yes, wolf spiders build webs, but not for catching prey. Wolf spiders are hunters. They track their prey with exceptional eyesight. You won’t find a wolf spider hanging out in its web, waiting for a meal to come to it. They create webs as protection above their homes, which are often holes or burrows in the ground.
All spiders have venom and fangs; Carolina wolf spiders are no exception. However, wolf spider venom is not considered hazardous to humans; so unlike brown recluse spiders and black widows, they are considered non-venomous spiders.
If you find one in your home, Carolina wolf spiders are generally not a significant cause for alarm. They are non-aggressive and prefer to avoid human contact. However, their large size and quick movements can be startling.
If you see Carolina wolf spiders indoors, it could indicate an abundance of insects or other small prey inside your home, which might attract them.
Wolf spiders can enter homes in various ways, some more obvious than others. They may crawl through open doors or slip under doors needing proper sweeps, often entering through garage doors first. Attracted to moisture, wolf spiders can find their way inside through gaps around pipes or rotted wood caused by water damage. They may also crawl into crawl spaces or small openings that lead into the home. Additionally, wolf spiders can hitch a ride indoors on items like plant pots or firewood.
Every home is unique—if you're curious about specific entry points in your home, consider scheduling a pest inspection for tailored advice.
Carolina wolf spiders are attracted to yards and homes primarily by food, shelter, and other favorable conditions that allow them to thrive, such as:
When you address the conditions that attract pests and reduce pest populations, you lessen the attractants that bring wolf spiders into your yard.
If you’ve found Carolina wolf spiders or other pests in your home, got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions can help! Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company offers ongoing home pest control services in Alpharetta, Buckhead, and elsewhere in our Metro Atlanta service area. You can count on our highly trained and fully licensed pest control specialists to solve your pest problems - no matter how tough!
To keep Carolina wolf spiders and other pests out of your home, here are several tips you can implement:
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