2016 Virginia Tech 3104-1586 (ENTO-212NP)

WolfSpidersandFishingSpidersEricDay,DepartmentofEntomology,VirginiaTech

WolfSpidersDescription:Wolfspidersareusuallylarge,hairyspiders that arenot associatedwithwebs. Colorranges from tan to dark brown and often havestripes running the length of the body. Order:Araneae:,Family:Lycosidae.Habitat: Common household pest in the fallwhen they are looking for a warm place forwinter; found around doors, windows,houseplants, basements and garages. Outsidethey will be found on the ground looking forinsectstofeedupon.

Wolf spider adult. David Cappeart, MSU, Bugwood.orgControl: A general spray for spiders is notrecommended, unless the infestation seemssevere. Spot spray individual spiders if you findthemobjectionable.InterestingFacts:Forthemostpart,spidersarebeneficial,eatinginsectsandotherspiders,butawolf spider can bite if handled. Wolf spidersprovide control of many pests that live on theground.

FishingSpidersDescription: Fishing spiders are some of thelargestspidersfoundinVirginia.Theyareupto3inches in length, but appear to be much biggerwhen foundonwalls. Fishing spidersare in theGenusDolomedes,Family:Habitat: Primarily found near water or moistwoods throughout the eastern United Stateswhere they are native. They do wander intohouses or climb on outside walls. They feedmostlyon insectsandsomespecies feedon fish,thustheirname.Control: Since they arenotpoisonous it is besttoleavethemaloneormovethemoutside.Ifthepresenceofthisharmlessspiderisobjectionable,a spot treatmentwithanaerosol insecticidewilltakecareofthem.

Dolomedes okefinokensis (fishing spider) adult, Mohammed El Damir, Bugwood.org Replaces:VCE3104-1586