How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders in the House
Wolf spiders are beneficial insects that prey on lawn and garden pests. They are large hunting spiders who chase their prey instead of building webs. Wolf spiders can become a nuisance when they find their way inside your home. They can enter through tiny cracks and crevices around doors and windows.
Wolf spider bites can cause serious pain, itching and swelling. If you see wolf spiders in your home, treat it immediately before an infestation occurs.
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Reduce clutter in your home to deter spiders. Use a vacuum to remove the spiders, webs and egg sacs. Look for them in attics, basements, garages and other quiet and dark places.
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Apply some boric acid along walls, doors, windows and behind appliances to kill wolf spiders. Boric acid is a natural pesticide. The spider will walk over the powder, ingest it while grooming and die.
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Set some eucalyptus leaves in areas where you have seen wolf spiders. They are repelled by the smell and will stay away.
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Caulk cracks or any other entry points to your home. Trim shrubs, tree limbs and vines away from your home to prevent wolf spiders from coming inside.
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Spray an insecticide around your home to reduce wolf spiders from entering your home. Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are very effective, but may need to be reapplied periodically.
- Vacuum
- Boric acid
- Insecticide
- Eucalyptus leaves
- Caulk
Things You Will Need
Tip
Use caution when using boric acid and insecticides. Keep pets and children away from treated areas.
References
Resources
Tips
- Use caution when using boric acid and insecticides. Keep pets and children away from treated areas.
Writer Bio
Based in Statesboro, Ga., Emily Jones has been writing professionally since 2009. Her articles appear on various websites, specializing in the diverse topics of cleaning and insects. Jones is a graduate student studying education at Georgia Southern University.
Photo Credits
- carolina wolf spider image by Kurt Anderson from Fotolia.com
- carolina wolf spider image by Kurt Anderson from Fotolia.com
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