Common household pest in the fall when they are looking for a warm place to overwinter.
They are commonly found around doors, windows, house plants, basements, garages, and
in almost all terrestrial habitats. They do not spin a web but roam at night to hunt
for food. Wolf spiders are often confused with the brown recluse, but they lack the
unmistakable violin-shaped marking behind the head. The wolf spider is shy and seeks
to run away when disturbed.
Description
Wolf spiders range from about 1/2 inch to 2 inches in length, hairy, and are typically
brown to gray in color with various markings or lines. Wolf spider mothers carry their
large egg sacs around with them. When the young spiderlings hatch they climb onto
their mother's back and ride around until partially grown. Wolf spiders are not poisonous,
though as with all spiders, bites may cause reactions in certain individuals.
Control
Please contact your local county extension office for current information.