What does a wolf spider look like?

I saw a big, black, hairy spider in my garage - could it be a wolf spider? 

Wolf spiders are known for their sturdy build and noticeable short, fuzzy hairs covering their bodies. Their coloring ranges from dark gray to brown or black, but not all black hairy spiders are wolf spiders - tarantulas are also large and hairy, and relatively common in the southwestern U.S.

Wolf spiders are hunters and don’t use webs to catch food. Instead, they run across the ground after insects. Their speed and size make them easy to notice, with adult females often reaching more than an inch in body length with a leg span of several inches. When someone reports finding a large hairy spider indoors, it’s often a wolf spider.

Wolf spiders might look scary, but they aren't usually a threat to people. Seeing one inside can mean they’ve found gaps or cracks around your home. Find out more with our spider control service to reduce the spider population in your home.