Wolf Spider Bite – Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures, Prevention

Wolf Spider Bite – Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures, Prevention






Wolf spider can easily be identified by its distinctive large eyes and the arrangement of eyes. Wolf spider has altogether 8 eyes of which 2 larger ones placed in the middle row, 2 eyes on top layer and 4 other eyes placed in the last row. Two large eyes would be glowing in dark. Wolf spider is popular in the United States and since it has the capacity of stalking the prey like a wolf, it is being called as wolf spider. Wolf spider is grayish black or completely black in color with striped body as per the data given by Missouri Department of Conservation. Its distinctive color helps them in catching their prey and also protects them from their enemies. The size of wolf spider is anywhere between 6.5 mm to 3 cm in length and males are smaller than females.

Wolf spiders can be seen commonly in homes in winter season but they largely prefer meadows and gardens. Unless you provoke it, it will not bite you. Wolf spider can inject venom during a bite, but it is not lethal. Wolf spiders are nocturnal in nature and live only on the grounds but some rare species can climb the trees and walls. They often hunt on small insects and tiny spiders. Once they identify their prey they hold it firmly with their legs and climb on it thus trapping it. Wolf spiders are marked by sharp eyesight and speedy movements and generally bite you only when they are scared.

Wolf Spider Bite Symptoms :

• If you look at the skin after bitten by wolf spider, you might see fang marks on it. The upper layer of the skin may be torn slightly if you are bitten by large sized spider. Further this can cause swelling of skin and pain in the affected area. The pain would not stop and may last for many days.


• Wolf spider is not poisonous but it can be toxic. They are not quite dangerous like black window or brown recluse spider but should be treated quickly. If you are delaying the treatment it can cause infection and even complications in rare cases.


• The area of the skin can look swollen and itching. The color of the skin would turn black due to swelling of lymph nodes inside.


• In rare cases some people may develop nausea, vomiting and rapid heartbeat. It is the trauma of the bite that can cause these symptoms and not actually the bite.

Wolf Spider Bite Treatment :

To prevent any complications you better can take treatment for wolf spider bite.

Don’t get panic once you are bitten by wolf spider.

Firstly wash the affected area thoroughly with soap water. Apply a mild antibiotic cream to destroy any bacteria injected by the spider.

You can take ibuprofen or Tylenol or any other painkillers to reduce pain and keeping yourself calm. Aspirin should not be given to children below 12 years of age. Antihistamines can also be taken to control itching.

Apply wet compress on the area to reduce swelling and pain. Alternatively you can place ice cubes wrapped in a soft towel over it. Keep the area elevated to reduce swelling and managing blood flow.

If you have any other symptoms of fever and nausea visit your GP promptly. He may prescribe antibiotic and suitable analgesics to give quick relief from pain.

Getting bitten from a wolf spider can be traumatic for sure. But remember it is not poisonous and you will be alright shortly.

Tips For Prevention :

• You cannot totally prevent wolf spider bite.


• But you can always keep your house clean and dry. Take special care in winter and check every corner.


• You can use pesticide recommended for the house cleaning to get rid of spider and other insects.