Wolf spiders look horrifying, but they are not deadly creatures. But if you still want to know How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders? Stay tuned!
What Are Wolf Spiders?
Wolf spiders are fast-moving, cunning sharp-sighted predators. They are 1/2 to 2 inches long, brown to gray, and don’t create webs. Wolf spiders hunt the insects like a wolf, hence the name. They adapt to survive nearly everywhere, from rocky mountains, volcanic pyroducts, and deserts to jungles, fields, and suburb lawns. But sometimes, wolf spiders invade homes for shelter and food sources. These hairy arachnids are not deadly but can bite when disturbed. Because of this, if you want to get rid of wolf spiders, read this article carefully till the end.
How to Identify a Wolf Spider?
Careful observation is required to determine whether the roaming arachnid is a wolf spider or some other deadly species. Check out their eyes, other body parts, the white sack on their back, and other details using the information in this article. After doing the research, if you’re still not confident, calling a pest professional is highly advisable.
Are Wolf Spiders Poisonous?
No, wolf spiders are not poisonous to individuals, but their venom is fatal for tiny insects, which results in paralysis. Their bite can cause bumps, itchiness, and a number of other symptoms that generally subsides on their own. However, some people can get an allergic reaction, or the symptoms become worse.
Get Rid Of Wolf Spiders
As mentioned earlier, wolf spiders don’t do any harm to people unless provoked. However, as their bite can cause pain and allergic reactions, it’s better to eliminate them from your property using the below methods.
1. Wolf Spider Repellent Spray
Keep wolf spiders at bay using this deterrent spray made up of essential oil. It works because spiders hate the potent scent of essential oil. Prepare the spray by combining 10-15 droplets of peppermint oil, a shot of dawn dish soap, and 1.5 cups of water into a spray bottle. Shake it well and spritz this solution around doors, windows, tiny openings, cracks, gaps, holes outside the perimeter of your home, and other dark corners. Redo this hack every few days or once a week.
2. Boric Acid
Another excellent natural remedy to control wolf spiders is boric acid. It’s an abrasive substance that damages spiders’ exterior and leads to death once ingested because of dehydration. Wolf spiders will consume the boric acid once they groom their body. Just sprinkle boric acid on and around the cracks or fissures of walls, doors, windows, fixtures, cabinets, and baseboards. Avoid this hack if you have kids and pets, as its exposure can cause some side effects.
3. Try Spider Sticky Traps
Spider sticky traps are not only an easy, effective, and hassle-free way to get rid of wolf spiders, but they are also safe for kids and pets as well. Read the product instructions carefully before using them. Set these traps along with the baseboard, and you’re done.
4. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an excellent pesticide to control wolf spiders naturally. Its tiny sharp particles cut into the spiders’ exoskeleton, dehydrates their body, and eventually kills them only after the contact. If arachnids ingest DE, then they begin to perish in no time. To take this approach, dust a generous amount of diatomaceous earth around the gaps, crevices, or openings of doors, windows, baseboards, and anywhere you notice unwanted spiders. You’ll see the difference in a week. Reapply when needed.
5. Spider Repelling Plants
Grow plants like geraniums, petunias, eucalyptus, osage orange, chives, lemon thyme, catnip, onions, dill, rosemary, marigold, and peppermint around the perimeter of your home to ward off wolf spiders. These plants discourage arachnids from entering your residence due to their strong fragrance that spiders hate the most.
Wolf Spider Prevention Tips
After eliminating wolf spiders from inside and outside your home, it’s vital to take the below measures to prevent them from coming back.
- Remove grass cuttings, woodpile, mulch, fertilizer, empty planters, stones, and grills from the yard, as they are the best hiding places for wolf spiders.
- Fix all the cracks, gaps, and holes with silicone caulk.
- Repair or replace the broken window and door screens to halt their entrance.
- Flies, moths, and other insects are appealing food sources for wolf spiders. Use sodium vapor lamps outside as these are less attractive to night-flying insects. Fewer insects mean fewer wolf spiders.
- Vacuum your house on a daily basis to remove any food crumbs that draw insects.
- Discard empty cardboard boxes, especially from the basements, attics, closets, and other dark spaces, to eliminate their hiding places.
- Declutter your home as wolf spiders are drawn to dark places.
- Wear full-sleeved clothing while going outside at night.
- Use door sweeps to block their potential entry spot.
Final Thoughts
Wolf spiders are not harmful to human beings but a serious annoyance to homeowners. However, after trying the above methods, wolf spiders are not a problem anymore. Don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends and let them know how to get rid of wolf spiders from home.