If you spot a big, fast spider scurrying across your basement floor, there is a good chance it is a wolf spider. They look intimidating, especially in fall when they wander indoors to escape the cold. Good news for Wisconsin homeowners, wolf spiders do not want to bite you. They will only bite if handled or trapped against skin.

Curious about spider removal in Wisconsin or worried about that furry spider in the laundry room? Here is what you should know to keep your home calm and your family safe.

What Is a Wolf Spider?

Wolf spiders are ground hunters. They do not spin webs to catch prey. You will see them on floors, foundation edges, garages, and basements. They are usually brown or gray with darker markings and strong legs.

In Wisconsin, they are common during late summer and fall after rain or yard cleanup moves them from outdoor nesting spots. Females sometimes carry their egg sacs and even their newly hatched spiderlings on their backs, which can make them look larger.

Why You Should Care About This

If you know if a wolf spider will bite, you can choose between a simple way to get rid of the spider and a comprehensive strategy. Wolf spiders are good at keeping pests away outside because they consume bugs. They can scare youngsters and dogs while they are inside.

Their presence can also mean that there are openings in doors, ripped screens, or a lot of bugs coming in that are bringing spiders with them. Knowing how they act might help you avoid surprise visits and keep your house cleaner and less buggy.

Homeowners: Do It Yourself Tips

Use caulk around the frames of windows and doors to seal off entrance spots.
Put door sweeps on outside doors.
Make sure screens fit snugly and do not have any rips.
Keep firewood off the ground and a few feet away from the house to make it less appealing to animals.
Cut back plants so they do not contact the siding.
Clear leaf piles after storms.

Indoor Cleanup

Vacuum along baseboards, under furniture, and in storage corners. Empty vacuum contents outdoors.

Control Other Insects

Spiders follow their food. Use yellow outdoor bulbs to reduce night insects, and fix moisture issues like leaky spigots and damp basements.

Safe Capture

If you want to move a wolf spider outdoors, place a cup over it and slide a stiff paper underneath. Release it several feet from the house.

Sticky Monitors

Place glue boards along garage edges and basement walls to gauge activity. Replace monthly.

When to Get Help

If you encounter spiders often in different rooms, if you have family members who are really afraid of spiders, or if you find spiders still moving about even after cleaning and sealing, call a 1st Choice Pest Solutions.

We can tell what kind of bugs they are, find out where they are coming from, and treat the areas around the foundation and access points that are most likely to have them. This strategy is safer and works better for families than using heavy sprays inside.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wolf Spiders