The summer heat is upon us and there‘s no doubt a few creepy crawlers — including furry, fast-moving wolf spiders — are looking to beat the heat inside your home.
Kentucky is home to several species of wolf spiders, which can be found “in virtually very habitat,” according to the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky. The eight-legged creatures are often patrolling the ground for prey, and you’re not likely to see them spinning a web.
Here’s how to spot a wolf spider, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re bitten by one.
Are wolf spiders common in Kentucky?
“Wolf spiders are among the most common kinds of spiders in Kentucky ,” according to the UK Department of Entomology.
You can find the arachnids living in leaf litter and grassy areas, experts say. Some wolf spiders are more territorial and live in burrows while others tend to roam free.
Known for their long, spindle-like legs, the avid hunters will also make their way into homes and other buildings. Fox Pest Control, which provides pest services across Lexington, said there’s one main reason spiders may roam indoors: food including “insects and other spiders.”
What does a wolf spider look like?
So how can you spot one of these creatures?
One of the wolf spider’s defining characteristics is its large, hairy body, according to IPM Pest and Termite. They typically have black, gray and brown markings and can grow up to 1.4 inches.
“The dark, mottled colors on their bodies help them blend in with decaying plant matter while hunting or avoiding predators,” National Geographic reported.
If you dare to get close enough, you’ll see eight dark eyes adorning their head.
“Two large eyes gleam from the top ... two more large eyes peer out the front; and four smaller eyes form a row just above the spider’s mouth,” according to the outlet.
Wolf spiders are often mistaken for venomous brown recluses due to their coloring, experts say. Unlike the “very secretive” recluse, most wolf spiders live their lives running and hunting out in the open, UK’s Entomology Department said.
Where do wolf spiders live?
Dubbed the “sprinters of the spider world,” wolf spiders can thrive almost anywhere, according to National Geographic.
“While some species are found on cold, rocky mountaintops, others live in volcanic lava tubes,” the magazine reported. “One species has even been found living in wheat crops, feeding on pests such as aphids.”
In Kentucky, the spiders spend much of their time hunting in the leaves and the brush, IPM Pest and Termite said on its website.
How do I keep wolf spiders out of my home?
To keep these creepy crawlers at bay, experts suggest sealing off windows and doors , as well as dusting along walls, according to Fox Pest Control.
Other tips include limiting moisture in and around your home, turning off outdoor lights and vacuuming often.
Are wolf spiders harmful to humans or pets?
In a word, no. Still, experts said it’s best to be careful because wolf spiders bite.
“Due to their fangs, the bite is very painful, but it is not deadly,” according to IPM Pest and Termite.
UK Entomology adds that bites from wolf spiders are generally harmless, unless you’re allergic.
I was bitten by a spider. Now what?
People bitten by wolf spiders may exhibit symptoms including pain and swelling that typically subside with time, according to WebMD.
“The pain should go away within minutes,” according to the medical news outlet. “The swelling should go down slowly, and the itching may last a few days as the skin heals.”
Experts suggest seeking medical attention if your symptoms include:
- Cramping or muscle tightness around the bite
- Headache or dizziness
- A rash that spreads outward from the bite
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
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