Evict these creepy crawlers for good
With its robust build and intimidating appearance, the mere sight of a wolf spider can send chills down anyone's spine. These prevalent arachnids, often quite big and hairy, are famous for their unpredicted swiftness and tendency to hunt in homes, gardens, and basements. Although wolf spiders usually pose no threat to humans and can even help control pests, their presence can be unsettling. To keep your surroundings spider-free, learn how to get rid of wolf spiders.
Before working to eliminate wolf spiders, know the risks associated with this project. While wolf spiders are venomous, they are not considered dangerous to humans. As with most spiders, wolf spiders use venom to paralyze and digest their prey, but their venom lacks the potency to inflict significant harm to humans. A wolf spider bite can cause discomfort and localized swelling but does not pose a medical emergency.
In some cases, a wolf spider bite can cause an allergic reaction. In this case, medical attention should be sought. Otherwise, most wolf spider bites can be remedied using simple first aid procedures, such as cleansing the wound with soap and water, administering antiseptic, and using over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
Wolf spiders are not typically hostile and only attack when provoked or cornered. To prevent wolf spider bites, use caution while handling them. You also want to avoid squashing these spiders in case you encounter a pregnant female, which could result in hundreds of baby spiders disbursement.
Wolf spiders prefer quiet and secluded places to build their nests, often seeking refuge in cluttered areas. Cardboard boxes and piles of clothing are common cluttered places for spiders. Prevent their nesting by removing the clutter regularly.
Regularly vacuum and clean your home to remove spiders, their webs, eggs, and potential prey. Pay close attention to corners, baseboards, and other hiding spots.
Wolf spiders will enter homes wherever they can. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, doors, windows, and foundations. Using caulk, seal these entry points to prevent wolf spiders from getting inside. Check your home regularly for any new entry points that may require sealing to continue preventing entry.
While sealing entry points can help deter wolf spiders, you can also tidy up your space outdoors to further evict them. If your outdoor space is rife with dense foliage, tall grass, or bushes, wolf spiders are more likely to find shelter in it. Reducing these areas with ample hiding spots can make your property less alluring to these arachnids.
Regularly mow your lawn to keep the grass short, focusing on areas close to your home's foundation. Trim bushes, shrubs, and other landscaping plants reduce their density and create a more open, well-ventilated environment, focusing on areas near doors and windows. Trim tree branches that touch or hang over your home's roof, as wolf spiders can use these as bridges to enter your home.
Remove fallen leaves, mulch, and other organic debris from your property and clutter, such as firewood or bricks. Leaf litter provides ideal hiding spots for wolf spiders.
There are several types of traps you can use to capture wolf spiders and reduce their presence in your home, which are typically designed to be safe and non-toxic.
Sticky traps, sometimes called glue boards, are a simple and effective way to catch wolf spiders. They consist of a flat piece of cardboard or plastic coated with a sticky adhesive. Place these traps in areas where you've spotted wolf spiders or webs or along walls and corners.
You can create your own DIY spider traps using materials similar to a sticky trap: cardboard and sticky tape or adhesive. Lay out a piece of cardboard, then apply a sticky substance such as double-sided tape and place it in areas frequented by wolf spiders.
Creating natural repellents for wolf spiders involves using scents that these spiders find unpleasant, deterring them from areas you want to protect. Common scents wolf spiders dislike include citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint. Choose one of these natural spider repellents and add a few drops to a spray bottle of water. Spray known and potential entry points for wolf spiders to deter them from your home.
Choose an insecticide labeled for spider control, preferably one that targets wolf spiders specifically if it is an option. Seek out products that are suitable for your intended application location, whether it be indoors or outdoors.
Thoroughly read and adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the product label. This includes noting safety precautions, dilution rates, and application methods. To safeguard against any potential hazards, wear protective gear such as gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and safety goggles.
Focus your application on areas where wolf spiders are most likely to be found, such as entry points, cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots, but avoid indiscriminate spraying. Ensure proper ventilation when using indoor insecticides to disperse fumes, reduce exposure by opening windows and doors, and use fans if available. During and after the application, keep pets and children away from treated areas until it's safe to re-enter. Reapplication may be required to continue prevention.
The task is perfectly manageable for most homeowners since wolf spiders don't pose a huge health risk when proper precautions are taken. However, if none of your methods rid the spiders or you suspect you have an infestation, it's best to hire a pest control. An exterminator has the tools and knowledge to solve your wolf spider problem effectively. Pest control cost ranges between $300 and $500 for a one-time service.
The main reason wolf spiders gravitate towards houses is the presence of their prey, including insects like flies and ants. Their attraction is also heightened by the availability of suitable shelter in areas cluttered or undisturbed and in moisture-rich environments like basements. Openings and gaps in the structure provide an easy access point for these spiders. During cold weather, wolf spiders may also seek warmth indoors, making your home an attractive refuge during harsh weather conditions.
When a wolf spider is squished, there is a risk of triggering egg sac brooding, a natural response that can lead to the release of eggs or spiderlings. To protect their young, female wolf spiders carry their eggs in a sac attached to their spinnerets, which they may detach or release when threatened or killed. As a result, squishing a wolf spider can inadvertently scatter potential offspring throughout your home, leading to a possible infestation. To avoid this unintended consequence, capture and relocate wolf spiders outdoors.
Allowing wolf spiders to reside in your home can have benefits, as they serve as natural exterminators, preying on insects and pests that could become problematic. Their presence can help keep your residence relatively free of nuisance insects such as flies, ants, and cockroaches, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Wolf spiders are generally not hostile towards humans, and their bites, although painful, usually don't result in a significant medical concern. If you can coexist peacefully with these spiders and recognize their role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem within your household, they can contribute to a healthier and pest-reduced environment.
