Seeing a giant wolf spider in your house might make you jump, scream, or feel uncomfortable. You’ll probably wonder if it’s poisonous or threatens your health.

Fortunately, wolf spiders aren’t poisonous to large creatures like humans. However, they have venom that might cause pain, swelling, or itchiness if they bite.

Overall, wolf spiders are relatively harmless to us and help keep pest populations in check. Keep reading this article to learn more about these spiders and their venomous bites.

Are Wolf Spiders Poisonous To Humans?

While wolf spiders aren’t poisonous, they are venomous—there’s a distinction. Nevertheless, their venom is generally not harmful to humans. 

Wolf spiders produce venom to paralyze their prey, typically small crawling insects. However, the venom isn’t highly toxic to humans, and a wolf spider bite is usually no more dangerous or painful than a bee sting. 

Initial pain and redness may occur, but these symptoms typically diminish for most individuals. Medical records lack instances of severe consequences resulting from wolf spider bites, with allergic reactions being rare occurrences.

Are Wolf Spiders Poisonous To Dogs?

Wolf spiders are generally not poisonous to dogs. Fortunately, their venom isn’t potent enough to cause severe harm to your four-legged friend. 

Wolf spider bites on dogs may result in mild local reactions, such as redness, swelling, and pain at the bite site. However, if a wolf spider bites your dog and exhibits signs of distress, such as excessive swelling, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms, seek help from a veterinarian. 

Are Wolf Spiders Poisonous To Cats?

Like with dogs and humans, wolf spider venom isn’t potent enough to hurt your cat. Your feline is more likely to hunt, capture, play with, and kill a wolf spider than the poor arachnid to harm your cat. If you’re lucky, your cat might even leave the dead wolf spider on your pillow so you can be proud of their hunting skills!

What Does A Wolf Spider Bite Look Like?

A wolf spider bite on a human looks like a small, red bump, similar to many other insect bites. The bite site may be slightly swollen and could cause some localized pain. 

The severity of the reaction can vary from person to person, and you may not react at all. Here are some common characteristics of a wolf spider bite:

1. Redness: The bite site is likely to be red.
2. Swelling: Some swelling around the bite area may occur.
3. Puncture Marks: Wolf spiders have two fangs, leaving two small dots on your skin.
4. Pain: There may be mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the bite site.
5. Itching: Itching is a possible symptom, though not everyone experiences it.

Unfortunately, these are similar symptoms of other spider bites, so there’s no way to tell you have a harmless wolf spider bite. The only way to be sure a wolf spider bit you is to catch it in the act or find it nearby. If you want to learn about spider bites in general, check out my article on the subject here.

Wolf Spider Description

If you want to know for sure a relatively harmless wolf spider has bitten you, you must identify them. Their main characteristics include:

Size Of Wolf Spiders

• Adult wolf spiders can vary in size, typically from 0.4 to 1.4 inches (1 to 3.5 cm) long.
• In other words, about the size of a quarter coin, possibly a little bigger!

Body Structure

• Robust, compact bodies.
• Two body segments connected by a narrow waist.

Wolf Spider Eyes

• They have eight eyes arranged in three rows.
• They have excellent night vision.

Wolf Spider Legs

• Eight long, hairy legs.
• Their leg hairs aid in sensing vibrations and navigating.

Wolf Spider Coloration

• Often in shades of brown, gray, and black.
• May have markings on their bodies.

Wolf Spider Habitat

• Live in many habitats, including grasslands, forests, deserts, gardens, and houses.
• They’re adaptable and survive in wet and dry environments.
• They live in every part of the world except the poles.

Active Hours

• Nocturnal hunters, active primarily during the night.
• During the day, they may seek shelter in burrows or hidden spots.

Wolf Spider Prey

• They hunt and eat a variety of insects and small invertebrates.
• They stalk and ambush their prey rather than trapping them in webs.

Nesting Habits

• They create burrows or retreats in the ground, leaf litter, or other hidden locations.
• The nests are typically silk-lined and may have a tubular or funnel-like shape.
• Female wolf spiders may construct a silk egg sac within their retreat to protect and incubate their eggs until they hatch.

Are Wolf Spiders Friendly?

Wolf spider’s behavior toward humans isn’t characterized by friendliness or hostility. When it comes to encounters with people, wolf spiders are typically non-aggressive. These spiders normally only bite humans if they get cornered, or someone accidentally rolls over onto them in their sleep.

They’re more likely to retreat and hide than to confront or bite. However, like with any wild animal, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid provoking or handling wolf spiders unnecessarily because they could bite and hurt you.

These arachnids are solitary hunters, not social creatures. Unlike some spiders that live in colonies or build communal webs, wolf spiders prefer an independent lifestyle. Therefore, you might say they aren’t friendly within their species.

Are Wolf Spiders Bad To Have Around?

Wolf spiders are generally not considered harmful to have around, and they are beneficial to the ecosystem and humans. Some benefits of these arachnids are:

Natural Pest Control

• Wolf spiders are predators that feed on insects and small invertebrates.
• They help control populations of pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and agricultural pests.

Nocturnal Behavior

• Wolf spiders are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night and tend to stay hidden during the day.
• Because they like hiding, you’re unlikely to see them.

Non-Aggressive Nature

• Wolf spiders are generally not aggressive toward humans and prefer to avoid contact.
• They are more likely to retreat than to bite when confronted.

However, individual perceptions may vary; some folks aren’t uncomfortable with spiders in their living spaces. If you don’t like having wolf spiders in your home or property, attempt non-lethal methods to relocate them rather than resorting to pesticides.

How To Treat A Wolf Spider Bite

If you suffer a wolf spider bite, it most likely will result in mild symptoms, but it’s important to know how to care for them properly. You can treat a wolf spider bite at home with items you probably already have by following these steps:

Clean the Bite Area

Wash the bite area gently with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

Apply a Cold Compress

Use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Apply it to the bite area for 10-15 minutes, take a 10-15 minute break, then reapply the ice pack. Keep this process up until the swelling subsides.

Elevate the Area

If possible, raise the bite area above your heart to reduce pressure, making it more comfortable.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.

Avoid Itching

Try to resist the urge to scratch the bite; scratching can lead to further irritation and increase the risk of infection.

Keep an Eye on Symptoms

Monitor the bite site for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or puss. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if you experience severe reactions.

Allergic Reactions

If you know you have allergies to spider bites or experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, or widespread rash, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Seek Medical Attention If Needed

While severe reactions to wolf spider bites are rare, consult a healthcare professional if the symptoms are concerning or if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Remember, individual reactions to spider bites can vary, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution if you’re uncertain. If you have doubts or symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice fast.

How To Trap & Relocate A Wolf Spider Without Getting Bitten

If you want to trap and release a wolf spider from your house, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it safely:

Materials Needed:

1. Container with Lid: A glass or plastic container with a lid is ideal for trapping the spider.
2. Piece of Cardboard or Paper: To gently guide the spider into the container.
3. Gloves: Optional, but gloves can help if you’re uneasy about handling the spider. Leather or other thick gloves ensure the spider’s fangs won’t harm your skin.

Step 1. Prepare the Container

• Take the container and make sure it’s clean and dry.
• If using a glass, you can see through it to monitor the spider.

Step 2. Approach Cautiously

• Approach the spider slowly and calmly.
• If the spider is on a wall or ceiling, gently guide it onto a flat surface.

Step 3. Use a Guide

• Use a piece of cardboard, stick, or paper to gently guide the spider toward the open end of the container.

Step 4. Trap the Spider

• Once the spider is in a position to enter the container, carefully place the container over it.
• Then, slide the lid under the container to trap the spider inside.

Step 5. Secure the Lid

• Next, put the lid on the container to prevent the spider from escaping.

Step 6. Transport Outside

• Take the container outside to release the spider away from your living space.
• Choose an area with suitable shelter, such as a garden or natural environment.

Step 7. Release the Spider

• Carefully remove the lid while keeping the container close to the ground.
• Finally, allow the spider to exit at its own pace.

Remember, wolf spiders are generally not aggressive; the goal is to relocate them rather than harm them. Using a gentle and non-intrusive approach will help ensure a safe and stress-free process for both of you.