There are about 3,500 spider species in the U.S., but the two most common spider species in St. Louis are the brown recluse and the wolf spider. Both wolf spiders and brown recluses are commonly found outside; however, there are noticeable differences in their specific habitat preferences.

The wolf spider prefers ground-based habitats such as gravel or sand bars, low vegetation, or leaf litter. They also will burrow or tunnel into natural cavities beneath flat rocks or logs to be completely hidden in between hunting for food. Since wolf spiders hunt their food and carry their babies around after they hatch, they do not live in the typical webs that other spider species do. The hairs on their legs allow them to tread on water and catch insects that linger near the surface. Although wolf spiders are eerie-looking with their eight eyes and large size, they thankfully will not venture anywhere near us if they can help it.

The wolf spider prefers ground-based habitats such as gravel or sand bars, low vegetation, or leaf litter. They also will burrow or tunnel into natural cavities beneath flat rocks or logs to be completely hidden in between hunting for food. Since wolf spiders hunt their food and carry their babies around after they hatch, they do not live in the typical webs that other spider species do. The hairs on their legs allow them to tread on water and catch insects that linger near the surface. Although wolf spiders are eerie-looking with their eight eyes and large size, they thankfully will not venture anywhere near us if they can help it.

The brown recluse spider is also frightening in appearance, but it has the additional risk of giving poisonous bites when it is threatened. True to its name, the brown recluse likes to be secluded from other creatures and can be found in places that are dry and essentially undisturbed, like in woodpiles, sheds, closets, garages, cellars, and under furniture. A bite from brown recluse spiders primarily only happens when they are directly touched or disturbed, so these spiders need to be treated by a professional with the proper protection to handle this nasty spider.

Since spiders hide in secluded areas and are often discovered by being accidentally disturbed, spider control services are essential in areas with a heavy spider population. Brown recluse bites can have dangerous side effects, like joint pain and weakness, so it is important to protect your family by ensuring that your home and yard is spider-free.