What is Wolf Spider Bite?
Wolf spider is a giant, hairy, active arachnid. Wolf spiders are stinging insects that hunt in pairs. They pursue prey similarly to wolves rather than trapping it inside webs. The Integrated Taxonomic Information System ITIS lists 125 genera and nearly 2,400 species. They are present all over the globe and in the United Kingdom.
Wolf spiders are most common in grasslands and meadows. However, they are also present in mountains, deserts, rainforests, and wetlands. A female wolf spider’s egg sac is unusually carried by being attached to her spinnerets at her back. Later, she carries her children on her back.
The top row’s two central eyes are more significant than the bottom, similar to the arrangement of the jumping spider eyes. Wolf spiders, unlike jumpers, have four small eyes and four more enormous eyes. At night, move quickly over the ground and jump far more than jumpers.
Are Wolf Spider Dangerous
Wolf spiders may look scary, although they are not. The bite leaves a red mark and can cause a stinging sensation. An ice pack is a good idea for pain relief.
Itching and swelling can relieve using anti-itch cream or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. The bite may hurt initially, but it will subside within a few minutes. Although the bite may swell, it usually disappears within a few days.
How to Keep Wolf Spider Away
Wolf spiders are not something anyone wants in their home. These arachnids can be very aggressive and frightening to those afraid of spiders. You can prevent them from entering your house by following a few easy steps.
Symptoms Of Wolf Spider Bite
A wolf spider bite is no more dangerous than a bee sting. Wolf spider bites are easy to treat and don’t require medical intervention. According to the Journal of Toxicology, the most common signs of wolf spider bites include swelling, redness, and itching around the bite.
Depending on the severity of the bite, you may experience bleeding where the fangs have penetrated your skin. Most bites from wolf Spiders are minor and do not cause necrotic ulcers.
A wolf spider bite can take up to 10 working days to fully heal. If the pain persists for more than 24 hours following the initial bite, or if you experience fever, cramps, or blistering around your bite, you should see your doctor immediately.
Prevention Of Wolf Spider Bite
Wolf spiders live alone. It can be hard to find them as they don’t produce webs, so it is difficult to tell if they are nearby. It can be challenging to prevent a bite. Inspecting the items is a good idea if you store your shoes or clothes in an area where spiders can easily access them from the outside.
People should be cautious around leaves piles, as wolf spiders use them as their home. Proper insulation can help reduce the risk of a wolf spider entering your home from the outside. Insulation can be beneficial in windows, basements, lofts, and doors that lead to the outside.
How do I identify a wolf spider?
These spiders can grow up to 2 inches in length. Their coloration is brownish and can vary depending on where they live. The eight distinctive eyes of the sandhill crane include four small, two medium, and two large. They are present on the frontal part of the body and cover an extensive range.
Brown recluse spiders look very similar. However, they only have six eyes of the same size. Brown recluse spiders can inflict serious injury on humans if they bite. Below are some essential characteristics of a wolf Spider.
- The camouflage appearance of wolf spiders consists of several colors. They can range from gray to orangish brown to black. You can also find stripes that change depending on the combination of colors.
- The distinctive eight eyes are in three rows. The bottom has four small eyes. Above them are the two large eyes. Finally, the two more enormous eyes are toward the sides.
- It has eight legs and two appendages, the pedipalps located in the front.
- The mother rides the young wolf spiders on her back until they can go out on their own.
Treatment
These are the first steps to take at home in case of a wolf spider bite:
- Apply a cold towel to reduce swelling and prevent the venom from spreading.
- Use natural remedies like Aloe Vera and Baking Soda, Apple Cider Vinegar, Witch Hazel, and Chamomile to speed up healing after a wolf spider bite.
Natural ingredients can soothe itchy skin, reduce swelling and redden inflammation. Proper monitoring and treatment can prevent complications that can arise from a spider bite or secondary infection.
Conclusion
Wolf spiders are venomous but not poisonous. Although the venom can be toxic, it does not cause any harm to you. Although it can cause allergic reactions, it is not likely to be fatal. They can be aggressive hunters but will generally flee if they are disturbed. They may bite if they feel threatened. Wolf spiders prefer to be outside but can occasionally come inside the house when it gets cold. They can be a mistake for brown recluse spiders, whose venom can be very dangerous. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from a wolf spider bite.