August 1996
DESCRIPTION: Wolf spiders are usually large, hairy spiders that are not associated with webs. They look much worse than they are.
HABITAT: Common household pest in the fall when they are looking for a warm place for winter; found around doors, windows, house plants, basements and garages.
CONTROL: Spider control is best done on a one-to-one, as needed basis. A general spray for spiders is not recommended, unless the infestation seems severe. Tolerate what you can, spray with an aerosol what you can't.
INTERESTING FACTS: Most homeowners have misconceptions about spiders-they are pictured to be poisonous (even deadly), and likely to attack at any time. Wrong. The only dangerous spiders we have in Virginia are the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider. The brown recluse is not common. The black widow is common, but reports of it biting people are infrequent. For the most part, spiders are beneficial, eating insects and other spiders.