Wolf Spiders vs. Brown Recluse Spiders: What to Know

Southern Louisiana is home to many types of spiders, but two that frequently cause confusion are wolf spiders and brown recluse spiders. While they might look similar at first glance, these arachnids differ greatly in their appearance, behavior, and the risks they pose.

Knowing how to tell them apart and manage their presence in your home can make a big difference in keeping your space safe and spider-free.

Key Takeaways

Wolf spiders are larger, hairy, and active hunters, while brown recluses are smaller with violin-shaped marks.
Brown recluse bites can cause tissue damage and necrosis, while wolf spider bites are harmless and may cause mild irritation.
Signs of spider infestations include frequent sightings, webs in corners, and egg sacs in hidden areas.
Prevent infestations by sealing gaps, decluttering, cleaning, trimming shrubs, and calling pest control.

BROWN RECLUSE VS WOLF SPIDER: KEY DIFFERENCES

If you’re trying to figure out whether you’re dealing with a wolf spider or a brown recluse, this side-by-side comparison highlights their differences:

Features	Wolf Spiders	Brown Recluse Spiders
Appearance	Dark brown, hairy, and larger, with a leg span of up to 4 inches. They don’t have violin-shaped markings but may have faint stripes.	Light to dark brown, smaller, with a distinctive violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax. Body length is about 0.25–0.75 inches.
Habitat	Found in basements, garages, attics, and outdoor areas like leaf litter and crevices.	Like quiet, dark spaces such as closets, attics, and under furniture. They often hide in shoes or storage boxes.
Behavior	Has active hunting behavior, stalking and ambushing small arthropods. They don’t spin webs to catch food.	Shy and only bite if they feel cornered. They spin messy webs but rarely use them for hunting.

SPIDER INFESTATION SIGNS AND RISKS

An infestation of any spider species can cause alarm, especially if venomous spiders are involved.

While wolf spiders are active hunters, they are unlikely to harm you.

On the other hand, brown recluses can be dangerous. They are among the few species in North America with bites that may require medical attention due to serious symptoms like tissue damage or necrosis.

Signs of an infestation include:

Frequent sightings of nuisance spiders or spiderlings.
Webs in crevices, basements, or dark corners.
Egg sacs which can lead to an increase in the spider population.

If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to take action to prevent the problem from worsening.

TIPS FOR SPIDER CONTROL IN YOUR HOME

To keep your home spider-free, follow these tips:

Seal Entry Points

Inspect windows, doors, and baseboards for gaps or cracks where spiders might enter. Use caulking or weather stripping to seal these areas. Pay special attention to crevices around utility lines or vents.

Declutter Problem Areas

Organize cluttered spaces like garages, closets, and attics to eliminate hiding spots for spiders. Remove piles of clothing, cardboard boxes, and other debris, and store items in airtight, sealed plastic containers.

Yard Maintenance

Keep your yard tidy by trimming overgrown shrubs, removing leaf piles, and relocating firewood away from the foundation. Clearing outdoor debris reduces habitats that attract wolf spiders and other spider species.

Regular Cleaning

Dust and vacuum frequently, focusing on basements, attics, and storage spaces. Remove spider webs, egg sacs, and insects they feed on. Pay extra attention to dark corners and hard-to-reach areas to disrupt spider activity.

Use Sticky Traps

Place sticky traps in corners, basements, and garages to monitor spider activity. Check traps regularly and replace them as needed. These traps help reduce spider populations and identify high-traffic areas in your home.

WHEN TO CALL PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICES

If you’re dealing with a persistent spider infestation or have identified venomous spiders like the brown recluse, it’s best to contact professional pest control services.

At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we specialize in spider control, targeting problem areas like basements, attics, and garages. Our treatments also focus on eliminating conducive conditions and preventing future infestations.