Much like their namesake, wolf spiders hunt their prey. Once a wolf spider locates its prey, it will pounce on them and use its powerful jaws to bite. Wolf spiders are quick and have powerful eyesight. These strengths make them well equipped to catch crickets, earwigs, flies and other small insects.

Female wolf spiders lay several dozen eggs, which they wrap in silk to create an egg sac. They then carry these eggs sacs by their spinnerets. If the egg sac become separated from the female spider at any point, she will search for it frantically. Once her eggs hatch, the female spider will then carry her young on her back for several days. As a result, if you try to squash a wolf spider, her babies will crawl off of her and disperse in many different directions.

Wolf spiders aren’t considered aggressive. However, they will bite if provoked or threatened. Their bite contains venom and one may experience swelling, itching, and mild pain if bitten. While the severity of a wolf spider bite varies from person to person, children, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system should seek medical attention if bitten.

Wolf spiders typically live outside. However, it is not uncommon to find them indoors, especially during winter. If they do enter your home, they will not build a web. Instead, you will typically find them near doors and windows or in garages, basements, or houseplants.

In order to prevent wolf spiders from entering your home, you should take measures to:

1. Make sure all cracks and holes leading into your home are well-sealed.

2. Remove any yard debris such as woodpiles and rock piles from the perimeter of your home.

3. Install screens over any vents that may act as an entry point into your home.

4. Keep your home clean and pest-free to remove any insects that wolf spiders like to eat.