Pest Expert Overview: Wolf Spiders in Bryan & College Station
The different Wolf Spider species range in color from brown to tan to black and in size from ⅓ of an inch to 1.5 inches. They are hunting spiders and their coloration is intended for camouflage. The Carolina Wolf Spider, Hogna carolinensis, is the only spider that has the honor of being named a State Spider! It is the Official State Spider of South Carolina.
Wolf Spiders are in the family Lycosidae and are found all over the world. There are 2300 species worldwide and around 100 species in the United States. The most common species in the United States is the Rabid Wolf Spider, Rabidosa rabida.
Life Cycle
Wolf Spiders can be found in almost any outdoor environment. Some species stalk and chase prey, while others wait and ambush prey. Wolf spiders can run up to 2 feet per second (about 1.3 miles per hour)! Most species hunt at night. Their eyes reflect light and can easily be seen glowing back at you if you shine a flashlight around outside at night. Wolf spiders are unique in that the females carry their egg sacs on their abdomen and newly hatched spiderlings ride on their mothers back until their first molt.
Why are they Pests?
As predators of other insect pests, wolf spiders are beneficial. However, most people don’t like sharing their houses with any type of spider. Wolf Spiders will bite if continually provoked, but their bite is harmless. Wolf Spider bites only itch or sting for a few minutes.
Wolf Spider Prevention
- Seal cracks and crevices outside your house to prevent entry
- Use sticky traps to monitor and identify spiders
- Use LED lighting outside to reduce the amount of prey for Wolf Spiders
Professional Wolf Spider Control
If you are dealing with an infestation of wolf spiders, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
