How dangerous is a wolf spider bite?

Many homeowners are afraid of spiders. While some spiders are dangerous, others don’t usually bite or inject venom. What about the wolf spider? These large spiders can look scary, but their bites aren’t usually dangerous. However, you might experience some side effects if you’re sensitive to their venom. Find out more about the wolf spider and its bite.

Identifying Wolf Spiders

How do you know if you have a wolf spider in your Phoenix home? One of the first signs is its size. Wolf spiders can grow to be two inches in length, which is much larger than many other spiders. They have hairy bodies and are usually a grayish or brownish-orange color with markings that help them hide. The wolf spider has eight legs, just like all other spiders. They also have two pedipalps, or appendages, that stick out of the front of their body.

Wolf Spider Habitat

You may be wondering where wolf spiders live. You can find them where there are plenty of insects to eat. They can be found in a variety of environments, ranging from desert scrub to forests. You may also find them inside your home, hiding in basements, garages, and house plants. The wolf spider can even be found around windows and doors.

You’re unlikely to find a wolf spider in a web. These spiders don’t typically build them. Instead, they hide in burrows, under rocks, or among plant debris.

Wolf Spider Behavior

Wolf spiders are nocturnal. They hide during the day and come out at night to hunt their prey. Wolf spiders aren’t usually aggressive toward humans. Your risk of being bitten by one is unlikely unless you provoke it. However, their size and appearance can be alarming. In Arizona, they are most active from March through October.

Identifying a Wolf Spider Bite

What does a wolf spider bite look like? You may have visible puncture marks depending on the size of the spider that bit you. The bite area may be red and swollen as it becomes inflamed. The pain from the bite can be pretty intense and last for several days.

Side Effects of a Wolf Spider Bite

If you’re sensitive to the venom in a wolf spider’s bite, you might have some side effects. These can range from mild to severe, depending on how sensitive you are. The side effects that can occur include nausea, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, and damage to the tissue in the affected area. In severe cases, the tissue can end up dying, which is known as necrosis.

What to Do About a Bite

Seek prompt medical care if you have a spider bite. You may not be aware that you are sensitive to their venom. If you have a serious reaction, medical care can help improve your chances of making a speedy recovery. It can also lower your risk of complications.

Preventing Wolf Spider Bites

The best way to prevent wolf spider bites is avoiding these pests as much as possible. Don’t touch them. Eliminate places they might hide inside and around your home, such as areas of clutter or piles of plant debris. Taking steps to keep bugs at bay will eliminate their food source. Vacuuming frequently can remove insects they may hunt.

If you find an unidentified spider or a spider nest in or around your Phoenix home, contact Budget Brothers. We can determine what kinds of spiders you’re dealing with and eliminate them.