Black Wolf Spiders in Pennsylvania: Bites, Habitats, and Control Tips

Black Wolf Spiders in Pennsylvania

The black wolf spider (Rabidosa rabida) is a large and hairy spider found throughout the eastern United States, including the state of Pennsylvania. These spiders get their name from their dark coloration and wolf-like method of hunting down prey. Black wolf spiders are not considered dangerous to humans and their bites rarely cause any worse reaction than local redness, swelling, and pain.

Appearance and Identification

Black wolf spiders are on the larger end of spider species found in Pennsylvania. Females have a legspan reaching up to 1.5 inches (38 mm), while males are smaller with bodies around 0.5 inches (12 mm) long. These spiders have an oval-shaped abdomen that is covered in black and grayish hairs. Their eight legs are also dark-colored with black and gray banding.

Distinguishing features of the black wolf spider include:

• Large, hairy body and legs
• Dark black, brown, and gray coloration
• No stripes, spots, or other distinctive markings
• Shiny brown cephalothorax (front body section)

Unlike some other spiders, black wolf spiders do not build webs to catch prey. Their eyes have excellent night vision, allowing them to actively chase down their insect meals across various surfaces.

Habits and Habitats

Black wolf spiders are mostly active at night when they emerge from burrows or crevices to hunt. During the day, they will find refuge under rocks, logs, leaf litter or in other sheltered spots.

These spiders do not produce silk for crafting webs. Instead, female black wolf spiders build woolly egg sacs out of silk to protect their eggs. The mother will carry this egg case attached under her abdomen until the spiderlings hatch.

Suitable habitats for black wolf spiders throughout Pennsylvania include:

• Under rocks, dead wood, and debris
• Leaf litter or low vegetation
• Barns, sheds, basements, andcrawl spaces
• Burrows in soil, lawn edges, or mulched areas

The spiders may wander into homes by accident, especially in rural locations or during mating periods while males wander in search of females.

Spider Bites and Toxicity

Most bites from black wolf spiders occur due to accidental contact when putting on clothes the spider has crawled into or reaching into dark spaces where they hide out during the day. Although all spiders have venom, most black wolf spider bites cause only minor reactions in humans, such as:

• Mild to moderate pain at the bite site
• Redness and minor swelling around the bite
• Itching sensation

In very rare cases, bites from these spiders may trigger acute symptoms in people sensitive to the venom components, including:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Sweating
• Dizziness or fainting

However, serious health effects or fatalities after a bite from a black wolf spider have not been reported. Bites should still be cleaned and monitored for potential infection or immune reaction. Those experiencing severe symptoms after a confirmed spider bite should seek medical care.

Control and Prevention

The presence of black wolf spiders around a home is rarely cause for alarm or control methods. They play an important role controlling insect pest populations outdoors. However, bites can still occur from accidental encounters. Prevention tips include:

• Inspect or shake out clothing, towels, linens before use if left on floors
• Wear gloves and long sleeves handling debris or cleaning sheds/outbuildings
• Seal cracks, holes in foundation that could allow spiders to enter
• Install lighting or reduce vegetation near home entryways
• Vacuum indoor spiders when spotted

Insecticides and pest management may be options for dealing with excessive spiders if they persistently enter living areas. Consult a qualified exterminator for whole property spider control recommendations in severe infestations inside the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are black wolf spiders dangerous or venomous?

Black wolf spiders are not considered dangerous spiders. While they do have venom, it is not medically significant to humans. Bites may cause a mild reaction but are very unlikely to produce severe health effects.

What should I do if bitten by a black wolf spider?

Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic cream. Wrap ice or a cool pack in a towel and apply to the site to reduce swelling. Monitor for signs of infection. Seek medical care if you experience severe symptoms or reactions beyond local pain and redness.

Where are black wolf spiders most commonly found in Pennsylvania?

Black wolf spiders are found across most of Pennsylvania, but thrive in wooded, bushy habitats statewide. They can be found under just about any cover object or sheltered void at ground level providing darkness and protection.

How can I get rid of black wolf spiders in my home?

The best prevention is sealing cracks and holes around the home exterior so spiders cannot easily enter. Use screens on windows and doors as well. Indoors, manually remove spiders when spotted, or use vacuum suction. Insecticides may also be applied by homeowners or professionals in cases of excessive spider problems inside.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.