Have you ever wondered what attracts wolf spiders in the house? Wolf spiders are a common sight in many homes and can be a nuisance. But why do they come inside in the first place? In this article, we will uncover the secret of the spiders’ infiltration and reveal what attracts wolf spiders in the house. We will also provide tips on how to keep wolf spiders from entering your home.
What are Wolf Spiders?
Wolf Spiders are a type of ground-dwelling spider common throughout the world. They are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and human-built structures. They are named for their wolf-like hunting behavior, as they often chase and pounce on their prey, rather than using webs. They are also known for their large size, long legs, and distinct coloration, which includes an orange or yellow stripe along the back. Wolf Spiders also feature eight eyes, with two large eyes in the center and six smaller eyes arranged in three rows along the sides of their head.
What Attracts Wolf Spiders?
- Dark and cool corners in houses, like garages, basements, and attics.
- Cluttered areas where they can hide and hunt.
- Warmth, since they are cold-blooded.
- Moisture and humidity.
- Openings in walls and floors.
- Openings in windows and doors.
- Trash and debris, which may contain food sources for the spiders.
- Areas with ample food sources, such as other spiders, insects, and small animals.
Food Sources
Wolf spiders are attracted to food sources like insects, small rodents, and other outdoor food sources. These spiders will enter homes and buildings in search of food. They are particularly attracted to areas that have a high insect population, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
| Food Source | Location |
|---|---|
| Insects | Kitchens, bathrooms, basements |
| Small rodents | Homes and buildings |
| Outdoor food sources | Areas with a high insect population |
Dark Areas
- Wolf spiders are attracted to dark, secluded areas.
- These places may include closets, basements, and attics.
- Wolf spiders also like to hide in woodpiles, window frames, and door frames.
- Dark corners of rooms, as well as under furniture and appliances, can also attract wolf spiders.
Moisture
Wolf spiders tend to prefer dark and moist areas when looking for shelter, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Areas with high humidity, dampness, and poor ventilation are also more prone to wolf spider infestations. Leaking pipes, water heaters, and other sources of moisture can create a suitable environment for wolf spiders to thrive. Keeping areas of the home dry and well-ventilated can help to reduce moisture and make the home less attractive to wolf spiders.
How to Catch a Wolf Spider
- Locate the spider – Wolf spiders are often found in dark, secluded areas. Check around corners, crevices and cracks, and under furniture.
- Equip yourself – You will need to use a container that is big enough to fit the spider, like a jar or cup. You may also want to wear gloves to protect yourself from a potential bite.
- Approach the spider – Approach the spider slowly and carefully. Try to move the container around the spider, rather than the spider into the container.
- Seal the container – Once the spider is in the container, place the lid on top and secure it tightly. You may want to use tape for added security.
- Release the spider – Once the spider is secured in the container, you can take it outside and release it into the wild. Make sure to release it in an area that is away from human habitation.
How to Prevent Wolf Spiders
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Cleaning | Keep your house clean and vacuum regularly, this will help reduce the number of spiders and other pests. |
| Seal Cracks and Holes | Seal any cracks and holes in walls, ceilings, and floors as these are entry points for spiders. |
| Remove Clutter | Remove clutter and debris from the house and around the foundation, as these are areas where spiders may hide. |
| Use Traps | Use spider traps to catch and remove spiders from the house. |
| Install Screens | Install window and door screens to prevent spiders from entering the house. |
| Use Insecticides | Use insecticides to kill spiders and prevent them from entering the house. |
Remove Any Potential Food Sources
- Clean up spilled food, crumbs, and other organic material as soon as possible.
- Keep kitchen and dining areas free from food and crumbs.
- Keep kitchen counters, floors and other surfaces clean.
- Store food in sealed containers and dispose of food waste properly.
- Eliminate potential nesting and breeding sites.
- Seal potential entry points such as windows, doors, and cracks in walls.
Keep the House Clean and Dry
- Regularly vacuum and dust the house, especially crevices and other dark corners.
- Keep the house free of clutter.
- Clean up any spills immediately.
- Make sure all food and garbage is stored in sealed containers.
- Ensure that all windows and doors are properly sealed.
- Repair any leaks or cracks in walls or ceilings.
- Eliminate any standing water or dampness.
- Repair or replace any broken window screens.
- Check for any entry points around pipes, vents, or windows.
Block Off Possible Entry Points
- Check around doors and windows and seal any gaps that may allow spiders to enter.
- Check vents and other openings leading into the home and put mesh over them to prevent spiders from entering.
- Check any cracks in the walls or foundations of the house and seal them.
- Inspect window and door frames and apply caulk to fill in any gaps.
- Check the exterior of the house for any holes or gaps that may be allowing spiders to enter and seal them with caulk or some other sealant.
What Keeps Wolf Spiders Away
Wolf spiders are repelled by strong smells, such as citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Keeping these smells in an area can help keep wolf spiders away. Wolf spiders also dislike vibration, so items like wind chimes or ultrasonic devices can be used to repel them. Additionally, wolf spiders don’t like areas that are too moist, so try to keep humidity levels in the home low. Keeping the home clean and clutter-free is also important, as it limits the places that spiders can hide. Lastly, make sure to seal any cracks or crevices in the home to prevent spiders from entering the house.
Natural Repellents
| Repellent | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Essential oils | Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle and spray around the area. |
| Citrus peels | Spread citrus peels around the affected area. |
| Garlic and pepper | Mix garlic and pepper with water, strain the mixture and spray it around the area. |
| Vinegar | Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it around the area. |
| Coffee grounds | Spread coffee grounds around the affected area. |
| Naphthalene balls | Place naphthalene balls near corners, cracks and crevices, behind furniture and other such places. |
Natural repellents are a great way to get rid of spiders without the use of any chemical pesticides. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus can be used to make a spray and sprayed around the area. Citrus peels can be spread around the affected area to keep spiders away. Garlic and pepper can be mixed with water and sprayed around the area. Vinegar and water can also be mixed in equal proportions and sprayed around the area. Coffee grounds can be spread around the affected area to keep spiders away. Naphthalene balls can be placed near corners, cracks and crevices, behind furniture and other such places to keep spiders away.
Insecticides
- Insecticides can be used to kill and repel wolf spiders.
- Insecticides may be used as a residual spray, and may be applied to cracks and crevices.
- Insecticides may also be used as a space spray, and may be used to target specific areas of the home.
- Insecticides may be used in combination with other methods such as vacuuming or sealing cracks and crevices.
- Insecticides should be used with caution, and should be applied according to the directions on the label.
Where Do Wolf Spiders Hide?
Wolf spiders hide in many different places in and around the home. They may hide in dark and damp places such as basements, behind furniture, under rocks and logs, or in woodpiles, leaf litter, and other debris. Inside the home, wolf spiders may be found hiding in closets, bathrooms, and behind baseboards.
| Location | Where Wolf Spiders Hide |
|---|---|
| Basements | Dark, damp places |
| Furniture | Behind furniture |
| Outdoors | Under rocks and logs, woodpiles, leaf litter, and other debris |
| Inside the home | Closets, bathrooms, and behind baseboards |
Wolf spiders may also hide in cracks and crevices in walls, as well as in window and door frames. They can also be found in attics and crawl spaces, and around air conditioning units. Wolf spiders may also hide in stored items such as boxes and bags, which may have been stored in an attic, basement, or garage.
Best Practices for Dealing with Wolf Spiders
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Remove food sources | Remove food sources like open food containers, pet food, and crumbs to discourage wolf spiders from entering your house. |
| Seal any cracks or gaps | Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps, both inside and outside, and seal them with caulk or other material. |
| Remove any clutter | Remove any clutter in and around your home as wolf spiders like to hide in such places. |
| Install door sweeps | Install door sweeps to prevent wolf spiders from entering your house through the doors. |
| Vacuum regularly | Vacuum regularly to remove any wolf spiders or their webs. |
| Hire a professional | If the problem persists, consider hiring a professional pest control service to get rid of wolf spiders. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I catch a wolf spider in my house?
The best way to capture a wolf spider in the house is to use a vacuum cleaner. Place the head of the vacuum over the spider and slowly suck it up. Another method is to use a jar with a lid. Place the jar over the spider and slide the lid underneath. When the lid is in place, slide a piece of cardboard over the top of the jar and the spider is contained. If you are brave enough, you can also use a pair of gloves or a piece of cardboard to grab the spider and place it in a container.
What Can I Do to Prevent Wolf Spiders from Entering My Home?
To prevent wolf spiders from entering your home, seal up any cracks or crevices around windows, doors, and the foundation of your home. Ensure screens are in good condition and fit tightly to windows. Keep outdoor lights off or ensure they are equipped with yellow bulbs, which attract fewer insects. Clear away piles of debris and clutter, as these provide a perfect place for spiders to hide. Finally, keep the interior of your home free of food particles and vacuum regularly.
What Natural Repellents Can Be Used To Keep Wolf Spiders Away?
Natural repellents such as peppermint oil, cinnamon, garlic, and citrus can be used to keep wolf spiders away. These scents can be used to create a barrier around the house or sprayed directly onto the spiders and their webs. Wolf spiders are also repelled by strong vibrations and loud noises, so vacuuming and playing loud music are effective methods of deterring them.
Where are the Most Common Hiding Spots for Wolf Spiders?
Wolf spiders are known to hide in dark, cool places. Common hiding spots include behind furniture, in cluttered basements and garages, in woodpiles, under rocks, and in cracks and crevices around the home. Wolf spiders may also hide in or near water sources, such as sinks and bathtubs, as well as in potted plants.
What factors make homes attractive to wolf spiders?
Wolf spiders tend to live in dark, moist places like wood piles, leaf litter and under rocks. Homes provide a perfect environment for them as they are usually dark, warm and humid. Wolf spiders are also attracted to sources of food and shelter, such as piles of leaves, wood, stones and debris. Additionally, they are attracted to light and may enter homes through open windows or doors. Wolf spiders may also enter homes through cracks and crevices, or even through pet doors.
Conclusion
Wolf spiders are a common sight in houses and yards. They usually invade houses in search of food, shelter, and mates. Wolf spiders can be repelled by keeping the house clean, removing possible sources of food, and using insecticides if necessary. Wolf spiders may also be attracted to certain odors and bright lights. Ultimately, understanding why the spiders are attracted to your home is the first step in evicting them.
