Wolf spiders belong to the Lycosidae family and are typically solitary creatures. They do not spin webs, which is why they are a bit difficult to spot.
These spiders are distributed throughout the United States, particularly in the states of South Carolina, Texas, California, Missouri, and Hawaii.
Some of these wolf spiders are venomous. This makes it necessary to spot them immediately so you can take measures to get rid of them. They can also carry bacteria with them, resulting in the spread of infections and diseases.
Let’s look at how to get rid of wolf spiders.
Understanding Wolf Spiders
Here are some key characteristics of wolf spiders.
Characteristics and Habitats
Wolf spiders are between 0.4 and 1.4 inches in size. Being agile and fast, these wolf spiders prefer to run after their prey to catch them.
Female spiders tend to carry eggs with them. They also rely on camouflage to keep themselves safe, which is also why their habitats include gaps, holes, or tunnels close to the ground.
Your yard or garden or even cracks and crevices might be an attractive spot for them.
Identification of Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are dark brown, black, or gray in color. Their 8 legs are long, allowing them to scurry around rapidly. These spiders are known for their eight eyes, all of which vary in size. The 8 eyes give them some great eyesight.
They are also more active at night, so keep an eye out!

Why a Wolf Spider is a Common Household Pest
Wolf spiders are common in households due to the potential prey they can target. Insects and bugs might be common around your house, and this is why you might spot wolf spiderlings in your house looking for other insects to eat.
Prevention of Wolf Spiders
Here are some tips to prevent wolf spiders in your house.
1. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Use a sealant, caulk, cement, and paint to cover all the cracks and crevices in your house. These are easy entrance points and hiding spots for wolf spiders.
2. Keep Outdoor Lighting to a Minimum
Wolf spiders flock to lighting not because they are attracted to it but because other insects that they prey on tend to keep buzzing around lights. It is a good idea to avoid outdoor lighting as much as possible or switch the lights off if you can to not attract wolf spiders.
3. Remove Piles of Leaves and Other Debris
Wolf spiders like to live beneath leaves or yard debris because it is an easy place to hide under. If there are piles of leaves or other such objects or trash around your house, clean that up regularly.
4. Keep Outdoor Trash Cans Tightly Sealed
Trash cans are a magnet for insects and many types of spiders to gather due to the smell and food. Wolf spiders love to go where other insects are located like trash cans. Keep your trash cans covered at all times and empty them out regularly.
Natural Remedies for Wolf Spiders
Use the following natural remedies to get rid of wolf spiders.
I. Essential Oils
Wolf spiders do not like the smell of essential oils since these scents are too strong for them to handle. Buy or use existing essential oils and squeeze a few drops in and around your house to repel wolf spiders. There is no guarantee that this will work but many people say it will. You just need to try it out for yourself.
II. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder of fossilized remains that you can place around your house to get rid of wolf spiders. This is because the diatoms have sharp edges which damage the wolf spider’s exoskeleton as the spider crawls across it.
III. Vinegar and Water Solution
Mix some vinegar with water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray this solution either on the wolf spiders or in common spots where you usually see them. The acid might kill wolf spiders, and the smell might work to repel the spiders to keep them away from the home.
Chemical Solutions
You can also try using chemical solutions such as the following.
I. Insecticides for Wolf Spiders
The spider kit list with 3 pest control products in the kit is excellent to get rid of wolf spiders. You can use Temprid for long-term control and CB-80 for immediate results.

Spider Control Kit
Keep your home spider-free with the new Spider Control Kit! This kit contains three professional products to help eliminate or prevent further activity.
The included Temprid FX liquid concentrate uses two active ingredients for long-term pest control, and CB-80 aerosol will take care of any immediate spiders on contact.
Monitor pesky crawlers using Catchmaster 100i Insect Monitors – essential in tracking treatment success over time!
Pros: Cons:Insecticides can help kill and repel wolf spiders so the products above will help you get rid of wolf spiders from your home. You can also consider using Onslaught FastCap Spider and Scorpion Insecticide to spray both indoors and outdoors to kill these spiders. Make sure you mix it properly.
II. Aerosol Sprays
An aerosol spray contains suspended particles that help kill and control wolf spiders in the home. The Spider Control Kit above contains Temprid FX (liquid concentrate), CB-80 (aerosol insecticide), and Catchmaster 100i Insect Monitors (inspection tools) is a good option to spot, kill and prevent wolf and house spiders.
III. Baits and Traps
Baits and traps will help kill wolf spiders whenever they make contact. For wolf spider control try Rescue Spider Traps which includes three traps that you can easily place in the spider’s active areas. The glue dots present in them will attract and capture the wolf spiders.
Similarly, the GreenWay Spider and Silverfish Trap have pre-baited strips that you can place in a given spot. These strips will trap insects and spiders which will kill them. This trap is also non-toxic for pets and humans.
IV. Safety Precautions When Using Chemical Solutions
- Keep your pets and kids far away from such solutions to avoid poisoning.
- Wear a mask and gloves while handling such chemical solutions.
- Keep your plants protected from chemical solutions as these could kill them.
Professional Extermination Services
If you think there are numerous wolf spiders in your house, it is a good idea to call a professional extermination service to get rid of wolf spiders.
Advantages of Hiring Professionals
- Useful for large infestations
- More effective at getting rid of wolf spiders due to skills and tools
- Permanent solution
Finding a Reputable Exterminator
Here is who we recommend as a reputable exterminator. We have used this company and they are very reputable and great to use. Make sure you confirm all the details and schedule an appointment.
Cost of Professional Extermination Services
Professional extermination services for removing wolf spiders typically cost anywhere between $150 and $450, depending on the extent of the issue and the kinds of solutions required.
Final Thoughts
Wolf spiders can help you get rid of pests but are also annoying to have in your house, not to mention that some of them might bite. You will want to use a pest control service if you do not want to go the DIY route. If you do want to do your own pest control then natural remedies or chemical solutions will allow you to get rid of most wolf spiders yourself. Doing this will make sure you keep your house safe from spiders getting in.
FAQ’s
How do I treat a wolf spider bite?
Treating a wolf spider bite requires more than just the typical home remedy – it’s important to take extra care! Start by washing off the area with soap and water, then apply a cold compress to help reduce any swelling. To ease discomfort, over-the-counter pain medication may be necessary; however, if a wolf spider bites you and severe symptoms arise seek medical attention immediately.
Are wolf spiders dangerous?
While wolf spiders may seem intimidating due to their size and quick movements, the truth is that their bites are not typically hazardous. In fact, it’s only in rare cases that a person could experience an allergic reaction from the spider’s venom which can require medical attention if severe enough.
Are female wolf spiders more aggressive than males?
While both male and female wolf spiders can bite when threatened, neither sex tends to be more aggressive than the other. So don’t expect a difference in defensive behaviors – no matter what their gender!
How do I know if I have a wolf spider infestation?
Have you noticed a surge in spider sightings and activity around your house? It could be an indication that wolf spiders have invaded – but don’t panic! Identifying signs of infestation includes spotting multiple spiders indoors, discovering egg sacs, or recognizing more frequent crawling.
What attracts wolf spiders?
Wolf spiders are stealthy hunters, drawn to quiet nooks and crannies. They may be lurking in the shadows of your basement or scurrying around a cluttered corner – especially if there’s plenty of prey for them to munch on!
