Are Wolf Spiders Poisonous?

There are over 3,000 species of wolf spiders in the world. Only 200 of these species are present in North America. You may come across these spiders outdoors or inside your home. However, one question most people ask is, are wolf spiders poisonous?

In this article, we explore some of the ways to identify wolf spiders and explain everything about wolf spider poison.

Identifying Wolf Spiders

A wolf spider measures a half-inch to one inch long. The spider has its eyes arranged in three rows, with the above two rows having enormous eyes, and the lowest row having four small eyes. The female spider carries its egg sac on the back.

These spiders can camouflage themselves to match their environment. They may have a mix of black and brown color or a grey and brown combination.

Most wolf spiders have stripes in shades of deep orange, yellow, tan, and black. Also, they have eight legs and two body parts.

Where do Wolf Spiders Live?

The primary sources of food for wolf spiders are insects. You’ll find them in open areas like fields, farms, grassy areas, and any place that has firewood. They may seek shelter to cool off when the heat is intense.

These spiders can crawl into homes during the fall. They need warmth before winter approaches. Wolf spiders can also be found in basements, garages, doors, and windows, and houseplants. You won’t detect these pests by looking for webs. Although they create silk, they use it to create egg sacs.

Moreover, they are nocturnal hunters, which means that they only come out after sunset to hunt their prey.

What do Wolf Spiders Eat?

Wolf spiders are ground dwellers and hunt on dry land. They have long fangs that allow them to capture insects and other small pests.

Wolf Spider Habits

Wolf spiders hunt above the ground. However, they do not create webs like other spiders when they need to capture their prey. The female stays with the eggs or buries them n a tunnel.

The spider can swim and climb when looking for prey. In case of any alarm, the spider retreats quickly. Male wolf spiders perish before winter, while the female’s retreat to sheltered areas. Females can live for years.

Unlike other spiders that live in groups, the wolf spider is independent and will use its eyes to communicate with another spider.

Wolf Spider Bite

Although wolf spiders bite, they hardly do that to humans. When they feel threatened or in danger, they prefer to run and hide. A wolf spider bite can happen if you handle the spider directly.

Any discomfort or pain can last for up to ten days. The skin around the bite could turn black or darken.

If you get a wolf spider bite, ensure that you clean the area and treat it with ice to reduce pain and swelling. You can apply an antibiotic ointment and take an antihistamine to relieve inflammation.

Are Wolf Spiders Venomous to Humans?

Is wolf spider poisonous? Wolf spiders are not toxic, but they are venomous. That means these pests produce venom that’s meant to paralyze their prey, which mainly consists of crawling insects.

Nonetheless, the venom isn’t toxic to human beings. A wolf spider bite can lead to itchiness, redness, and pain. There are no serious consequences from a spider bite.

What Attracts Wolf Spiders to Your House?

Wolf spiders are ground hunters, which means hey burrow and nest underneath of grass piles, rocks, leaf piles, and woodpiles. An insect problem can attract wolf spiders to your home.

They crawl into your home using sheds, garages, doors, windows, and other outbuildings.