There are many different types of spider species in Florida, but one of them is the Wolf Spider. Before we get into the question of why wolf spiders have come into your home, let's take a moment to make sure the spider you found was actually a wolf spider. Not for you, of course. But for all of those other people who don't know what a wolf spider looks like.
These are one of the most misidentified spiders that get into man-made structures. Why? Because they share characteristics with other, popularized spiders. So, the best way to determine if you have a wolf spider is actually to determine that you don't have one of those other spiders.
Wolf spiders can be black, gray, or brown. But, it is the brown coloring that gets these spiders misidentified. If you're wondering if you found a brown recluse spider sitting on top of a puddle of water in the bottom of your tub, there is an easy way to tell the difference. Wolf spiders are hairy. Brown recluse spiders are not. Plus, the brown recluse has a violin mark on the back of its head to help with identification.
Since wolf spiders are hairy, they are also mistaken for tarantulas. But, this would not be the case if you could see a tarantula sitting next to a wolf spider. Those tarantulas are really really hairy. And, all that hair makes them look much more "puffy" than wolf spiders.
The most common species of wolf spider we find in our homes has two dark, parallel stripes on its back that are easily seen. These stripes run from their head to the top of their oval abdomen.
Okay. Now that we know for sure that you found a wolf spider, let's look at why it is in your home. Here are the three biggest reasons you have wolf spiders coming inside.
- There are entry points in your exterior walls or roofline. Other than an open door or window, these spiders will usually come in through some other gaps or holes.
- You brought a box or stored item into your home. This time of year it is common for people to get stored decorations from a shed or garage space and bring them into the house. If you've done this recently, you could have brought that wolf spider in yourself.
- You have food in your walls. When bugs get into your wall voids and die, they can be an attractant for creatures that eat bugs, like the wolf spider. You're making your home an attractive wolf spider habitat!
If you found a wolf spider and got rid of it, it may be an isolated event. But it could also be a warning sign that you have entry points or conditions that are making your home a harborage for pests. If you need help assessing your property, or having pest control protocols put in place, Hoffer Pest Solutions has the answers you need. Give us a call to learn more about our residential pest control plans.