Wolf Spider Bite

Does a wolf spider bite?

Yes, all spiders can bite. But the bite of a wolf spider is typically harmless. While it may puncture your skin and cause redness, pain and swelling, it doesn’t normally require medical attention.

Wolf spiders are one of the most common types of spiders. They live on all continents but Antarctica, and this family of spiders includes more than 2,400 species worldwide. They can be found in many different environments. You may encounter them outdoors — among fallen leaves, grassy areas or burrows. But you may also find them indoors, especially in basements, sheds and garages.

Wolf spiders get their name from the way they hunt their prey like a wolf. They don’t catch their prey by spinning webs. They use their excellent eyesight, and some build underground burrows so they can jump out and ambush prey that get too close to the opening. Like most spiders, wolf spiders have eight eyes — two of which are rather large — that shine in the light.

Wolf spiders can be dark brown or gray and may have stripes or markings down their backs. They use these markings to camouflage themselves. They can be hairy and large — up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long in the U.S. — and are sometimes mistaken for brown recluses. But brown recluses have a violin-shaped marking on their head and only have six eyes.

When do I need to worry about a wolf spider bite?

Wolf spiders aren’t aggressive toward people. They usually only bite when they feel threatened, like when you trap them or unintentionally come into contact with them. If they do bite you, you may experience some uncomfortable symptoms. But you don’t typically need to worry because the venom of a wolf spider isn’t deadly.

Other types of spiders pose more danger. Brown recluses, along with black widows, are much more dangerous than wolf spiders. If you have a more severe reaction, you may have been bitten by one of these spiders. Rarely, people are allergic to all spider bites.

What does a wolf spider bite look like?

A wolf spider bite may look like a bug bite. You may notice a red bump and swelling in the bite area. In addition, a wolf spider may puncture your skin and leave fang-like marks. Other wolf spider bite symptoms may include pain and itching.

If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction from a spider bite, you should seek medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• A red line extending from the spider bite.
• A bump that looks like hives and increases in size.
• Swelling of your face, especially around your mouth.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness or fainting.

What causes wolf spider bites?

Wolf spiders aren’t usually aggressive toward humans. Bites only occur when a wolf spider feels threatened and needs to defend itself.

What are the risk factors for wolf spider bites?

Anyone can accidentally make contact with a wolf spider and get bitten. But certain people may be at a higher risk due to their jobs or actions that put them in closer contact with places where these spiders live. People at risk include:

• Outdoor workers, including groundskeepers, landscapers and farmworkers.
• Children who play around rocks or in piles of leaves.
• Hikers.
• Custodians and maintenance workers.
• Machine operators.

How is a wolf spider bite diagnosed?

There’s no test that can tell what kind of spider bit you. Seeing the spider is the only way to determine if it was a wolf spider. But your provider may make a diagnosis of a spider bite based on a physical exam and your symptoms.

How is a wolf spider bite treated?

Wolf spider bite treatment includes measures to avoid infection and manage any pain, swelling or itching. You can take the following at-home steps to treat a wolf spider bite:

1. Clean the bite with warm water and soap.
2. Apply an ice pack or a cold, damp washcloth to the bite.
3. Take an antihistamine to relieve itching. You want to avoid scratching, which can increase your risk of infection.
4. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to ease pain and swelling.

Your symptoms should clear up on their own within a few days. See your healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or get worse.

Can wolf spider bites be prevented?

To protect yourself and your family from wolf spider bites, give them fewer reasons to hang around:

• Use insect repellant that’s approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Keep firewood outside and double-check for spiders before bringing it inside.
• Shake out your hats, gloves and shoes before putting them on.
• Treat your shoes and clothing with an insecticide.
• Always wear gloves when working in the garden, moving rocks or carrying wood.
• Wear pants and long sleeves in wooded areas.

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have wolf spider bites?

If a wolf spider bites you, you may experience mild symptoms like pain and swelling. But these symptoms should slowly go away with at-home care.

Most wolf spider bites are harmless and don’t require any medical attention. But if your symptoms get worse or don’t go away after a few days of self-care, reach out to your healthcare provider for further treatment.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you develop any of the following symptoms after a wolf spider bite, you should see your healthcare provider:

• Cramping or muscle pain around the bite.
• A skin rash and itching that spreads outward from the bite.
• Severe headache.
• Dizziness.
• Sweating whether you feel hot or cold
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Signs of infection, like fever or discharge from the bite.
• Weakness or paralysis.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical attention.

In addition, you might not be certain what kind of spider bit you, so you may want to err on the side of caution if you think you might need care.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

If you’re worried about a wolf spider bite, you may want to ask your provider:

• What’s the best treatment for my symptoms?
• How can I prevent future wolf spider bites?
• Am I at risk for other problems?
• Should I look out for any signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Wolf spiders are big, hairy and scary-looking, but they only bite when they feel the need to defend themselves. When they do bite, they’re typically harmless because their venom doesn’t pose a danger to humans. While you may experience some uncomfortable symptoms, they should go away within a few days. If the symptoms don’t pass or you’re experiencing a more severe reaction, reach out to your healthcare provider.