Wolf spiders in Nebraska

Posted By: Laurann Robinson

lrobinson@klkntv.com

Arachnophobes beware, 8–legged creatures are out in full force… some, bigger than others.

Wolf spiders, to many they're as scary as they sound, and right now, they can be spotted in Nebraska a little more frequently.

But if you happen to get bitten, Gary Brewer with UNL's entomology department says, you don't have much to fear.

"Some people will react a little bit more and by maybe like a bee sting or perhaps a wasps sting, but it's really not very dangerous," said Brewer.

Wolf spiders can be found all over the world, but they're among the biggest species of spiders here in the state.

And unlike most other spiders, these  nocturnal guys don't catch their prey by using a web… they go out at night and hunt the old fashion way.

Luckily, they don't typically set their sites for humans.

Brewer adds, "occasionally, they'll get into the house, but that's accidental. And if you can shoo them into a container and just take them back outside it's a good thing because they help control some of the problem insects, because they are feeding on those, so they're not a bad thing to have around."

Wolf spiders are around more often during this time of year because due to their mating and maturing season, this is just when they're big enough to be noticed.

Brewer also says because of the wolf spider's size and many interesting habits, many people keep these guys as pets.