Wolf spiders are a common pest in North Carolina, but just because they’re common doesn’t mean you want them in your home. Our pest control company in Raleigh is sharing everything you need to know about wolf spiders in North Carolina, including how to identify them, and more importantly, how to prevent and get rid of them.
Identifying a North Carolina Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are one of the largest spiders in North Carolina with big bodies and large legs. It’s not uncommon to see a spider around three inches in length including the leg span. In addition to their large size, they are a lighter color, usually a mottled medium brown or a brownish-gray with noticeable hair or fur, and if you get close enough (not that most people do), you’ll see eight eyes placed in two rows on its head.
Wolf Spider or Brown Recluse?
When most people see a brown spider, they immediately think of the venomous brown recluse rather than a wolf spider. So, how do you know the difference? The most noticeable difference is size – brown recluses are only about a half-inch long at most, and wolf spiders are much bigger. Plus, brown recluses are a uniform brown color without noticeable hair, unlike wolf spiders which have a multi-color brownish or brownish-gray color with hair.
Wolf Spider Habitats
Unlike most spiders, they don’t build webs to catch prey, instead, they are fast-moving hunters that chase down prey like flies and other small insects. They tend to burrow in leaves and around the ground, venturing out at night for food.
The good news is that wolf spiders don’t like “people food,” and they tend to avoid humans, so you likely won’t see one in your kitchen or a high-traffic area of your home. On the other hand, they will take up residence in your basement, garage, or a rarely used closet, in order to escape cold weather or find food. Fortunately, they are generally quite harmless and are an important part of the ecosystem as they eat insects, though if you come across one while moving a box or sweeping out a corner, you’re definitely going to be startled!
Preventing and Getting Rid of Wolf Spiders in North Carolina
Just because they’re harmless doesn’t mean you want them in your home, so to prevent them, you want to make sure there are no food sources around your home or places for them to come in. We recommend:
- Cleaning out gutters to prevent standing or pooling water that attracts other pests;
- Cleaning up debris and litter around your yard, including leaf piles.
- Trim branches and keep shrubs around five feet or more from around your home’s exterior.
- Caulk any cracks or gaps in the foundation and repair any screens or window gaps to keep pests from entering.
- Minimize clutter in basements, garages, and closets.
If wolf spiders are already in your home, you can spray a bit of peppermint essential oil or use a spider and insect spray to eliminate them in your home, though we would recommend professional spider extermination to ensure the problem is thoroughly eliminated.
Call Us for Spider Extermination and Pest Control in Raleigh
When you want to keep wolf spiders out of your home, Stomp Pest Control in Raleigh can help. We create a safe barrier around your home to keep pests from entering and thoroughly treat the inside as needed to keep it free of pests, both spiders and the prey they are searching for. To learn more or to schedule service, reach out to us at (919) 231-3292 or fill out the form below to get started.
