Florida Pests: Wolf Spiders

Last month I was buzzing about Brown Widow Spiders. It seems as I may have freaked out a few readers, friends and family. Not only did I receive wonderful comments and e-mails from readers. My best friend and my sister both called me asking questions about the difference between Brown Widows, Brown Recluses and Wolf Spiders. Now, I am thankful I haven’t spotted a Brown Recluse to date – but minutes after hanging up with my BFF last week, I spotted this guy in my sink.

This is a Wolf Spider. When I was talking to my pest guy he identified it for me from this simple statement:

I say: “Every now and then this big spider runs across my floor.”

He says: “It’s a wolf spider”

You Looking at Me?

:Laughing: See, you don’t normally see them in a web. I’ve NEVER seen one in a web. I believe they usually burrow and instead of catching prey in webs, they pounce on them.They may not spin a “traditional” web, but they will add a trapdoor to burrows with their silk and they also create egg sacs that they drag around with them. And when those babies hatch, they hang on to the mom for protection.

These spiders can get HUGE. You’ll see them anywhere between .5 – 2″ in length. They are brown/tan with darker brown spots on their legs and torso.

Are they venomous? You know, I *think* all spiders are venomous, because their venom liquifies the insides of the prey so they can eat them. Some are more toxic to humans than animals than other spiders. And some inject more venom than other spiders. That said, I read somewhere that Wolf Spides are not venomous – but that cannot be true. I read somewhere else that the bite of the Wolf Spider is venomous but not lethal. That sounds more accurate. And although they don’t go searching for people to bite, they may bite if provoked. That means if you try to pick it up, if you push against it if it’s hiding in clothes/shoes, if you reach into a cupboard and accidentally brush against one. And due to the size of the Wolf Spider and it’s big ol’ jaws, I’d try to keep them outside where they belong.

The Wolf Spider pictured above was caught by me and removed to live outdoors where he/she can continue to hunt bugs. I always had a soft spot for these guys.

MORE SPIDERS:
If you were looking to identify a brown spider in your house and this guy isn’t it, then go read my post about Brown Widows.

Other people may have different experiences with these spiders. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products!