Having spiders around and in your home can be a daunting experience, especially if the species poses a threat to you and your family. Different species of spiders can cause different issues, and therefore, it is important to understand and recognise their species. Having said that, there are two spiders (wolf spider and brown recluse) that are often confused as the same. They might look similar, but they are quite different. In this article, we discuss the distinct features and differences between the wolf spider and the brown recluse.
Difference Between Wolf Spider and Brown Recluse
Physical Appearance
Wolf spiders are generally bigger than the typical house spiders and have thick hairs on their body. Their colour often ranges from grey to dark brown. One of the easiest ways to recognise a wolf spider is by their unique stripes or markings on their back.
Brown recluse, on the other hand, has a slender and smoother body. They are almost hairless, unlike the wolf spiders. The distinctive feature of the brown recluse is the violin-shaped markings on its back, just behind the head.
Behavior
Wolf spiders are very aggressive and get defensive if provoked. They might attack and bite you. As their name suggests, wolf spiders pounce like wolves. They do not spin webs and rely on the web. Wolf spiders are generally found outside during the day.
Brown recluses show a completely different behaviour than wolf spiders. They are shy and run away when disturbed rather than attacking. But they live near humans, and therefore, the chances of getting bitten by them are higher. Unlike wolf spiders, they build webs to trap their prey. Brown recluses are nocturnal and come out during the night.
Threat to Humans
Wolf spiders generally don’t pose a threat to humans, and their bites are usually mild. But its bite can still cause swelling, redness and pain, though they are cured within a few days. The wolf spider’s bite can cause a serious issue to someone who is allergic to insect venom.
The brown recluse is one of the very few spiders in North America known to have harmful effects on humans. Their venom can cause skin irritation, blistering and tissue damage, which can lead to severe medical issues. If you get bitten by a brown recluse, it is important to seek medical help immediately. To identify if it is a brown recluse bite, check if you have a brown or blackish mark on your skin surrounded by a raised, red area.
Habitat
Wolf spiders like to live outdoors, preferably in wooded areas or near streams and ponds. They do not have a limited range and are found worldwide.
Brown recluses prefer dark, quiet and sheltered areas like garages, closets and attics. They generally hide in places like clothing or shoes so that they can get easy entry to homes. Unlike wolf spiders, they have a more limited habitat and are found only in the southern and midwestern United States.
How to Recognise Wolf Spiders?
Appearance: They are usually bigger than house spiders with brown, black or gray colored markings on their bodies. They can grow up to 1.5 inches.
Bite: They generally don’t bite until provoked, and their bites are not harmful to humans but can be painful and cause redness and swelling.
Habitat: Instead of making webs, they hunt by chasing down and pouncing on the prey.
How to Recognise Recluse Spiders?
Appearance: They are usually brown colored and dull in appearance. Their most recognisable feature is the violin-shaped mark on their body known as the cephalothorax. They can grow up to 11mm in length, which is roughly the size of a quarter.
Behaviour: They are shy in nature and stay away from people. They bite only sometimes when they feel threatened.
Bites: Their bite can cause serious blisters, irritation and tissue necrosis.
Are Wolf Spiders or Brown Recluse Dangerous for Humans?
Neither wolf spiders nor brown recluse spiders are naturally aggressive towards humans. They are generally not dangerous until provoked. Like other insects, they might bite if they feel threatened, but under normal conditions, both remain calm.
How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders And Brown Recluse from Your Home?
Wolf spiders are drawn to places where there is a large insect population. Therefore, if you find an increase in the spider’s population, it could indicate an underlying pest issue. To get rid of wolf spiders, you need to focus on pest control first, and ultimately, the wolf spiders will also go.
Brown recluses often hide in dark and peaceful areas, which are easy to find in homes and offices.
However, due to their habit of hiding secretly, it’s a challenge to get rid of them. Only the professional pest control service can accomplish the task.