Wolf Spiders in New York
Wolf spiders are common spiders found throughout New York state. There are over 2,300 species of wolf spiders identified worldwide, with over 125 species found in North America. These hairy spiders with large eyes get their name from their tendency to actively hunt for prey like wolves, rather than building webs to catch food.
Appearance and Size of Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders have an oval-shaped abdomen and a robust cephalothorax (head region). Their eyes arrange in three rows, with four small eyes on the bottom row, two large eyes in the middle row, and two medium-sized eyes on the top. They depend on their excellent eyesight to hunt.
Most wolf spider species have brown, grey, black or tan bodies with dark brown markings. They have a distinct pattern of contrasting light and dark stripes, spots or diamonds on their body. Wolf spiders have eight eyes and eight legs, like all spiders.
Wolf spiders come in a range of sizes - from less than 0.1 inches to over 1.5 inches (30mm) in body length. The Carolina wolf spider is one of the larger species.
Habits and Behaviors
Wolf spiders don't spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they rely on stealth and speed to hunt. During the day they hide in burrows under rocks, wood piles, vegetation or in crevices. At night they roam open areas like lawns, meadows and fields looking for food.
When wolf spiders detect prey through vibrations, they run it down. They pounce using their front legs to hold prey while injecting venom with their fangs to immobilize it. Wolf spiders then use digestive enzymes to liquefy the preys insides and suck out the nutrients.
Female wolf spiders carry a round, silken egg sac attached to their spinnerets (silk producing organs). The young spiders ride on the mothers back for several days after hatching until they are ready to hunt alone.
Wolf Spider Bites
Wolf spiders very rarely bite people. They only bite humans in self-defense, such as when trapped against the skin or unintentionally touched.
Most wolf spider bites cause mild reactions, including:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
The bite may be painful but the venom is not considered medically significant for healthy adults. More severe reactions can occur in rare cases, causing symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fever
Seek medical care if bitten by a wolf spider and having a severe reaction. Clean the bite area with mild soap and water and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
Wolf Spider Prevention and Control
Follow these tips to help discourage wolf spiders from taking up residence in and around your home:
- Trim vegetation back away from the house
- Install tightly-sealed doors and windows with screens
- Remove debris piles sitting next to the foundation
- Keep basements and crawl spaces clean and dry
- Reduce outdoor lighting which attracts insect prey
If you discover a wolf spider and want to get rid of it, avoid squashing it. When threatened, female wolf spiders carrying an egg sac will scatter their young to survive. Instead, capture spiders with a jar and slip something underneath to cover the opening, then relocate them outside.
Use sticky traps or insecticide sprays labeled for spider control if you have an infestation inside. Limiting pest entry points, moisture sources and food availability helps prevent recurring populations.
Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?
Wolf spiders play an important role controlling insect pests but get a bad reputation from their appearance and speed. These predators are reluctant to bite and pose minimal danger to people.
The likelihood of experiencing anything more than brief pain and irritation from a wolf spider bite is exceedingly low for most healthy adults. Only individuals with allergies or sensitivity to their venom are at risk for severe reactions.
Wolf spiders should not be feared as dangerous or aggressive. Simply respect their space in the environment and be cautious not to accidentally press them against your skin to avoid getting bitten.
FAQs
What species of wolf spiders are found in New York?
Some common wolf spider species in New York include the Carolina wolf spider, Rabid wolf spider, Tiger wolf spider, Turret spider, and Fishing spider.
Where are wolf spiders usually found around homes?
Wolf spiders set up daytime hideouts in shady, sheltered spots like under rocks, woodpiles, thick vegetation, and building foundations. They hunt for food outdoors at night.
What attracts wolf spiders into homes?
Wolf spiders wander inside homes by accident through cracks, gaps, or open doors and windows. They can get drawn in while hunting insects attracted to lights or seeking shelter.
What should I do if a wolf spider bites me?
Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and elevate the area if swelling occurs. Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine. Seek medical care for severe reactions or if symptoms persist.
How can I keep wolf spiders out of my home?
To discourage wolf spiders seal up cracks in your home’s foundation and gaps around windows and doors. Trim vegetation back from the home, install tight fitting screens, use adequate outdoor lighting directed away from the house, and clear away debris and clutter around the exterior.
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.
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