Why am I finding wolf spiders in my house?

Author: Pearline Fisher  |  Last update: Friday, February 27, 2026

In many areas, wolf spiders are quite common. They typically reside outside in leafy, grassy areas, and some even make small burrows. However, they occasionally come indoors on accident or to seek shelter over the winter. Homeowners might see them near doors, basements, or windows.

Why am I suddenly seeing wolf spiders in my house?

If they are in your home, they have either accidently found themselves locked in there, or like us wanted to stay out of really bad weather until it passes. These spiders are outside hunting all the time, outside is their home. Last thing, if they are in your home check the time of year.

What to do if you find a wolf spider in your house?

Removing clutter and debris near your home can also discourage wolf spiders by eliminating their hiding spots and reducing the insects they prey on. If you spot wolf spiders lurking in and around your home, it's time to call in the spider control experts at Terminx.

Why are wolf spiders attracted to my house?

Because wolf spiders are attracted by other insects, homeowners should first address any spills, crumbs, unsealed cracks, or other temptations that draw in small bugs and other insects. A few extra passes with a vacuum, mop, or broom could send potential prey searching for food outside where they belong.

Why shouldn't you kill a wolf spider?

If you have pets, wolf spiders can have a potentially fatal bite, but for us humans its just very painful. I'd say catch and release, because they can also be quite aggressive at times. No need to kill the poor buggers, though.

What attracts wolf spiders in the house?

What makes wolf spiders go away?

Along with boric acid, other natural repellents safely keep wolf spiders away. Many essential oils and natural herbs keep spiders away. They don't like the cedar, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, and tea tree fragrances. Fill a BPA-free bottle with peppermint oil to repel spiders, ants, and other bugs.

Will a wolf spider bite you in your sleep?

Wolf spiders are not aggressive and will not bite unless frightened or provoked. Although their bite is not deadly, it can be very painful. Wolf spiders typically only bite humans if they are handled or touched. They usually avoid humans and run away when people are nearby.

What kills wolf spiders instantly?

Amdro Quick Kill Outdoor Insect Killer, available in ready-to-spray and concentrate formulas, works in minutes to kill wolf spiders by contact.

Why shouldn't you squish a wolf spider?

If you squish a wolf spider that's carrying her young, you may inadvertently send dozens of her babies into different cracks and crevices of your home. Counterintuitively, this may create more of a spider infestation in your home than if you had left it alone.

What brings in wolf spiders?

Wolf spiders find their way inside through open windows, doors, and unsealed cracks through which other bugs have found their way in as well. These arachnids are attracted to potential prey, making them more likely to wander into your home if other insects are already present.

Will a wolf spider jump on me?

While it is true that wolf spiders can jump, they usually do so when hunting or evading threats. This jumping is typically directed at their prey and not toward humans. However, like any animal, wolf spiders may act defensively if they feel cornered or disturbed.

Should I leave a wolf spider alone in my house?

Should I leave wolf spiders alone to live in my house or eliminate them? Just leave them be. They'll feed on the dust mites, small moths, silverfish and other micro organisms that you're sharing your home with. They're not interested in you - you're far too big to be prey !

How do you scare a wolf spider?

Mix peppermint oil with dish soap and water and spray the wolf spider's home. Spread diatomaceous earth around your home and where you've seen the spider. Sprinkle small amounts of boric acid in areas where you've seen wolf spiders. Use tobacco spray around the house and a spider's living area to kill or repel them.

Why am I seeing spiders all of a sudden?

Food: The number one reason why spiders come into our homes is in the search for food. If you have food sources that insects can get into, they will thrive inside your home. And, when insects thrive, spiders will thrive too.

Should I worry about wolf spiders?

Wolf spiders may look scary, but their venom isn't dangerous to humans. Due to their size, a wolf spider bite may cause some pain and swelling. But these symptoms should subside on their own and you shouldn't require medical attention.

Where do wolf spiders hide in houses?

Although they are not inclined to be permanent residents in structures, they often stay once inside. Indoors, wolf spiders tend to remain at or near floor level, especially along walls and under furniture.

Why do wolf spiders keep coming in my house?

In many areas, wolf spiders are quite common. They typically reside outside in leafy, grassy areas, and some even make small burrows. However, they occasionally come indoors on accident or to seek shelter over the winter. Homeowners might see them near doors, basements, or windows.

Does one spider mean more?

While a professional pest control company can eliminate every spider in your home, the presence of one spider does not mean you necessarily have an infestation. Spiders do not live in colonies or groups so seeing one spider in your home doesn't mean there are more behind the walls.

What threatens a wolf spider?

Wolf spiders will bite to defend themselves if necessary. Predators include other spiders, wasps, birds, small reptiles, toads and other amphibians, and shrews. Behavior: Wolf spiders are solitary creatures that roam alone in the night, stalking prey.

What smell repels wolf spiders?

This natural aversion forms the basis of using cinnamon oil as an effective spider deterrent. These eight-legged intruders can't stand the potent aroma of cinnamon oil, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to maintain a spider-free living space.

Are wolf spiders hard to get rid of?

Wolf spiders are fast, so they are incredibly difficult to catch or kill. Wolf spiders don't spin webs like other spiders.

What attracts wolf spiders in the house naturally?

They also feed on smaller insects, including moths, crickets, and cockroaches. A dusty environment can also be an attractive factor for wolf spiders, as it tends to harbor a plethora of prey for them. The presence of wolf spiders in your home may increase if the temperature outside is too high or too low.

Can I sleep in a room with a wolf spider?

While it is certainly unpleasant to even think about a spider crawling on you while you sleep, it should bring you comfort to know that wolf spiders aren't easily spooked. If you start to move, they're most likely to move off you.

What's the worst spider in the world?

Brazilian wandering spiders

It has a highly toxic venom and is regarded (along with the Australian funnel-web spiders) as among the most dangerous spiders in the world. Based on one of the few pharmacological studies performed in the 1970s, Phoneutria's venom toxicity was more virulent than both Atrax and Latrodectus.

What is the lifespan of a wolf spider?

Male wolf spiders often live no more than one year; however, some females are able to live several years. Females are commonly larger than males within a single species.

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