Hobbies And Interests
Appearance
Wolf spiders are usually brown, gray, black or yellow with a hairy appearance. They grow to ½ inch to 2 inches long and larger wolf spiders are often mistaken for brown recluses in Colorado. Wolf spiders are not venomous like brown recluses. They also do not have a violin shape behind their heads like the brown recluse. The female wolf spider can often be seen carrying the baby spiders on her back. Smaller species of wolf spider can resemble the funnel spider.
Habitat
The wolf spider is commonly found around the home, particularly in the colder Colorado months when they are seeking warm shelter. They can hide in dark corners of basements or closets, in house plants, or around windows and doors. Wolf spiders can also be found in garden areas under rocks or within a burrow in the ground that is covered loosely by a leaf or piece of grass.
Feeding Habits
Wolf spiders do not spin webs, but prefer to hunt their prey. They can be beneficial to a home by ridding the areas around its habitat of other insects. Wolf spiders typically hunt for food at night, physically overpowering smaller insects or other species of spiders.
Threat to Humans
Wolf spiders bites are not lethal to humans, but their bite can be very painful. They are non-aggressive, and are even shy around humans. They would much rather run than confront people around their dwellings. They will bite only if they are provoked and feel their habitat is being threatened.
Treating a Wolf Spider Bite
The bite of a wolf spider can cause pain and irritation in the skin. The affected area will most likely swell, so do not wrap the area. Instead, treat the area with an antiseptic to prevent infection. Place an ice pack on the area immediately to reduce pain and swelling. If possible, try not moving the affected area. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and take the spider with you so the doctor can confirm that it is truly a wolf spider and not a brown recluse.
Controlling Spiders in Your Area
Though wolf spiders can be beneficial to homes in Colorado by removing other unwanted pests, many people simply don't want them in their homes. You can remove possible wolf spider habitats by moving any rock or wood piles away from your home. Make sure all windows and doors are tightly sealed and keep basements as clean as possible. Insecticides can also be used to kill existing wolf spiders. Products containing pyrethoids such as tetramethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin or permethrin are especially effective. Always read and follow the instructions on all insecticide labels.