Have you ever felt eerie, like someone or something is watching you? You turn to where you feel the presence, only to find a big eight-legged wolf spider peering at you.
Although wolf spiders do not seriously threaten humans, their abundance around the house can be bothersome for some.
Hence, the question persists: What attracts wolf spiders to the house?
This blog post will look into what draws wolf spiders into your home, why they are so common, and what can be done to prevent their entry.
What do wolf spiders like?
Wolf spiders prefer dwelling in dark, cluttered, undisturbed areas like basements, crawlspaces, garages, and attics. Darkness appeals to these spiders, so they can be found in moist and damp areas.
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.
Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Wolf Spiders in Your Home
The presence of wolf spiders in your home may increase if the temperature outside is too high or too low. These spiders are known to enter houses seeking warmth during colder months. Doors and windows can be significant entry points for wolf spiders, especially if left open or not adequately sealed.
Other factors that attract wolf spiders include bright lighting outside your home, attracting insects near your home.
What do wolf spiders hate the most?
Wolf spiders avoid strong scents like eucalyptus, peppermint, vinegar, and citrus, making these natural repellents ideal for preventing them from entering your home.
Additionally, wolf spiders despise the presence of humans and their activity. These spiders try to avoid heavy foot traffic, especially when people are around.
Keeping houseplants can help reduce the presence of wolf spiders as well. Plants not only purify indoor air, but certain herbs such as basil, lavender, and mint are natural deterrents for wolf spiders.
How to prevent wolf spiders from entering your home?
Sealing off doors and windows, fixing cracks in the foundation wall, and properly caulking gaps in a building’s exterior, especially those around utility pipes and electrical outlets, can help prevent wolf spiders from entering your home
Maintaining a well-lit exterior can also deter prey that wolf spiders are known to feed on.
Decluttering areas in and around your home is also essential as it reduces the appeal of areas where these spiders like to seek refuge. Regular cleaning and dusting can help remove their hiding places and prey.
Preventing and Managing Wolf Spider Infestation
Several factors influence the attraction of wolf spiders in homes. Encountering wolf spiders may not be a pleasant experience, but taking proper precautions can prevent them from entering homes.
Clearing cluttered and dark spaces, dusting regularly, and using natural repellents that deter wolf spiders can help prevent their entrance. However, if the infestation is severe and beyond your control, it is best to seek professional help.
Peak Pest Control offers professional wolf spider control services to tackle pest-related issues. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and eradicate wolf spiders from your home once and for all.