How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders in Lexington, KY
WHAT ARE WOLF SPIDERS?
Wolf spiders are a large, hairy spider with black, grey and brown color markings. A common misconception is that they get their name from their larger size, but they actually are called wolf spiders because of the arrangement of their eyes and fang-like mouth parts, called chelicerae. Upon hatching, baby wolf spiders resemble small adult wolf spiders. They then shed their skin until they are a full sized adult, which can be up to approximately 1.4 inches. Wolf spiders can live for several years, and they spend most of their time hunting small ground insects and small spiders at night. They do not make webs. In Kentucky, wolf spiders occupy most locations in the state, living and hunting in the brush and leaves on the ground.
Although they are considered to be large spiders, wolf spiders normally do not attack humans. It is still wise to exercise caution around wolf spiders because they can bite. Due to their fangs, the bite is very painful, but it is not deadly unless the person is allergic to the venom. Wolf spiders are often confused with brown recluse spiders because they are similar in color.
HOW DO I GET RID OF WOLF SPIDERS?
Even though wolf spiders are relatively harmless to humans, most people still do not want them in their homes. Here are some tips to get rid of wolf spiders in your home:
- Remove Bugs
– Wolf spiders hunt and eat insects and smaller spiders, so the easiest way to remove them from your home is to remove those bugs. If there is no prey for them to eat, they will not reside and hunt in your house. Aerosol sprays, insect traps, or professional bug removal services can rid your home of bugs.
- Clean Your Home
– Like most spiders, wolf spiders feel more secure when they can hide in dark areas. It is crucial to keep your home clean to prevent wolf spiders from hiding there. The more stuff you have lying around, the more opportunities there are for wolf spiders to find hiding spots. Also, sweeping, vacuuming and mopping on a regular basis will prevent smaller insects and spiders from entering your home, which in turn, keeps the wolf spiders at bay.
- Seal Your Home
– During cold winter weather, wolf spiders seek out places of warmth, like your home. An easy way to keep them out is to repair and seal any openings. Keep the doors and screens closed at all times. Seal any cracks or openings in or around internal and external floors, walls, doors, plumbing and electrical wires with silicone caulk. Use weather stripping to seal the openings around windows and doors.
- Make the Outside Area Uninviting
– Wolf spiders hunt and live in ground debris outside, so keeping the area around your house free from leaves, grass clippings, or other yard debris will reduce the amount of wolf spiders. Keep any rock or lumber piles as far away from the house as possible since these are common homes for wolf spiders, as well.
- Use Spider Removal Tools – Wolf spiders actively hunt at night, so that is the best time to remove them with aerosol sprays. Pesticides or spider traps in dark areas can also be used to kill wolf spiders. For the best results, professional services should be used to remove wolf spiders. IPM Pest & Termite Management offers top of the line pest control in Lexington. Our experts have many years of experience as one of the top Lexington pest control companies. Call us today to tackle the wolf spiders in your home.
