A common sight in Arizona is the burrows of wolf spiders. These ground holes are recognizable by the webbing around the entrances. You may also see sticks sticking out. What is not a common sight is a wolf spider. These arachnids typically roam around at night in search of prey. If they decide to search for prey inside your Phoenix property, you could have a problem. Here are a few things every property owner in Phoenix should know about wolf spiders.
Wolf Spiders Can Bite
While not predisposed to biting humans, these spiders can and do bite people when they are brought into contact with the skin, or when they are mishandled. Bites usually result in localized pain and some swelling. The venom of a wolf spider is mild and is not considered medically important. But getting bitten can be an unpleasant experience.
Wolf Spiders Are Hunter Spiders
Many types of spiders create a web to catch their prey. One reason they do this is that they don't have good eyesight. They rely more on other senses, such as touch and hearing, both of which help them to detect vibrations in their webs. Wolf spiders don't make webs to catch their prey; they hunt for it. This hunting usually happens at night because wolf spiders are nocturnal animals. Perhaps you've noticed them out hunting at night. They can sometimes be seen crossing roads at night because their green eyes reflect light. If a wolf spider gets into your home, it can move about at night and present a biting hazard while you sleep.
Wolf Spider Identification
The most common type of wolf spider in our area is Hogna carolinensis. This species is around 1 inch in length and has a hairy body that is likely to be grey to brown in coloration. Female wolf spiders carry their young on their backs. This can give them a strange bulbous appearance.
Wolf Spider Diet
When wolf spiders come into your yard or find a way into your home, they're going to look for food. If they find it, they will be inclined to stick around. You can reduce wolf spider populations by taking measures to reduce insects. Here are a few tips:
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Reduce exterior light sources. Many insects are attracted to light.
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Keep your shades and curtains closed to keep light inside your home.
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Put your exterior trash in sealed containers.
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Reduce moisture around your home to reduce the damp habitat that is ideal for many insect species. We recommend cleaning gutters, fixing plumbing leaks, and thinning out areas of dense vegetation.
Wolf Spider Habitat
It is important to understand where wolf spiders live and hide. They can be in holes on your property so be careful what holes you stick your hand in. They can be in low recesses within your home and can often be found in storage rooms. If you go to grab something out of storage, be cautious, especially if you noticed signs of wolf spider activity, such as holes with webbing at the entrance.
How Wolf Spiders Get In
These spiders get into your home the same way a long list of other pests get in. They will take advantage of damaged screens, broken window panes, holes in wood, gaps around pipes, cracks in your foundation, damaged door sweeps, or gaps in weather stripping seals. Remove entry points to keep these spiders out.
How To Get Control Of Spiders
There is no better way to reduce wolf spiders around your Phoenix property than to invest in ongoing residential pest control. When you have routine visits from a licensed pest professional and appropriate treatments throughout the year, you'll get the best control of insects around your home. Fewer insects will result in fewer wolf spiders—and other, potentially dangerous spiders, like the black widow and the brown recluse. Year-round pest control will also help to protect you from the viruses and diseases that pests can spread. This is one of the best investments you can make for your health and well-being.
If you have questions about year-round service, or you'd like to speak with one of our pest professionals, reach out to us. The team at White Knight Pest Control is here to guide you in selecting the right service for your needs and budget.
