Imagine a scene from a chilling Friday night horror show. A creeping eight-legged, black and hairy predator is lurking just outside your back door. Alarmed gardeners have been calling with reports of “huge” or “weird” spiders never seen before. Fortunately, the spiders described are common wolf spiders. Although normally more discreet, they are seldom seen until fall.

Wolf spiders are a family of hunting spiders. They can be in tones of tan, brown or black. Some species can be as large as five inches. However, two- and three-inch species are more common. They are strong runners and capture their prey by hunting rather than trapping them in a web. Wolf spiders have large eyes on the raised portion of the cephalothorax or body. The position of the eyes gives these spiders a 360-degree view.

Females carry their large, globular egg sac attached to spinnerets under the abdomen. Upon hatching, the spiderlings climb onto their mother’s back and stay there several days or more before dispersing. Wolf spiders frequently alarm homeowners because of their large size and rapid movements. Wolf spiders are not aggressive but may bite if handled.

Some species live in vertical tunnels that occur commonly in lawns. These silk-lined tunnels are about one inch in diameter. A slow stream of water from a garden hose will eventually wash these spiders from their burrows.

This year, because of abundant moisture, high-insect populations, and generous amounts of mulch near foundations, wolf spiders are enjoying a “good” year. Likewise, many females have generated several virile egg cases, which could lead to another “good” year if there is plenty of rainfall in 2005.

Wolf spiders may hunt day and night. They usually occur outdoors but may wander indoors in search of prey. They tend to stay at or near floor level. If they are in a building, steps should be taken to locate areas where they are getting in and seal any gap or crevice. Doorways, windows, soffits and portals for wires, ducts and pipes should be caulked to prevent entrance of any insect or spider. Outdoor lights should be directed away from windows and doorways, and white bulbs replaced with yellow bulbs. Spiders will be attracted to the same places as insects. Mulch or plant material provides the perfect habitat for spiders and insects.

Although some liquid insecticides are available for foundation treatments, they have a short residual and will kill many beneficial insects as well. Preventing entrance by making the house exterior less attractive to insects and spiders is recommended to keep the creepy-crawlies out.