Pennsylvania has two main kinds of wolf spiders— Hogna carolinensis and Tigrosa aspersa. They look similar, live in similar habitats, and have similar habits. Wolf spiders can bite people and animals, but generally won’t unless they are provoked.
| Appearance | Wolf spiders are dark brown with gray hair. Tigrosa aspersa have a narrow line of yellow hairs on their carapaces and their legs have lighter brown joints. |
| Length | Depending on the gender and species, wolf spiders range from 5/8” to 1-1/4” |
| Where You Can Find Them Inside | Wolf spiders like to build tunnels or holes under floorboards, stones, firewood, and other protected areas. |
| Food Sources | They eat beetles, crickets, mealworms, and roaches. |
| Extra Facts | Wolf spiders are hunters. They do not spin webs to catch food. They are generally solitary and will hunt alone. Wolf spiders are nocturnal and live on the ground. Female wolf spiders can live for several years. |
Complaints
Wolf spider bites can cause pain, redness, and swelling that typically lasts for 24 hours. There aren’t any serious medical consequences known from wolf spiders. Due to their size, wolf spiders can be alarming to have in your home or business.
Solutions
You can prevent wolf spiders from entering your home or business by patching holes, caulking cracks, and sealing the areas around cables, plumbing, and wiring. You can also trim any bushes or hedges outside of your property and remove any clutter inside.
If you have a wolf spider problem at your property, call the pest control specialists at Wildlife Enterprises, LLC. We’ll help you seal up your home and keep the wolf spiders out.
Dan Lynch is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator with licensing from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. His permitted categories include household and health related pests, wood destroying pests, and public health vertebrate and invertebrate pests.