9 Best Pesticides For Wolf Spiders – (Reviews & Top Picks in 2023)

Where the bugs play, the wolf spiders will stay for their prey. Like most animals and insects, spiders live in a survival instinct to go where the food is. Sadly, these places can be your house, your room, or your closet.

If you’re in search of the best pesticides for wolf spiders, we select the efficient solutions to keep those small crawlers away for good. 

Wolf spiders are soft-bodied insects that do not cause infestation like insects but can be dangerous to have at home. They are bigger than insects which can cause a painful bite. If you catch them in the wrong method, you’ll only spread more spiderlings in your house than eliminating them.

Learn more about wolf spiders for more successful pest control using insecticides. They are not your typical spider to mess with. 

Check out below why!

(You could use the table of contents below to jump to the sections that are most important to you.)

---

What Are Wolf Spiders?

Wolf spiders look like one of the scary creatures you’ll find in a horror-fiction movie. Despite their appearance, they are shy, introverted, and harmless types of arachnids. They play an important role in the ecosystem and are an ally to homeowners when it comes to bug control.

They feed on the following pests:

• Cockroaches
• Crickets
• Mealworms‌
• Beetles

Wolf spiders are also called hunting spiders because of their efficient hunting abilities. They have sharp eyes that can see even the slightest movement from the bugs. When the situation calls for it, they can pounce their prey until it dies. 

The distinct features of wolf spiders are their three rows of eyes. The light from a light source reflects on their eyes in the dark, making them easy to detect at night time. They have shorter legs than other spiders and do not spin webs to catch their prey. 

Due to their role in the environment, it is best to leave one or two wolf spiders alone. However, if their numbers are growing on your property, they can be a nuisance rather than a dangerous threat. You can eliminate them using different pest control methods. 

Let’s admit it, it would be kind of freaky to have so many eyes looking at you while you sleep or when you’re doing some chores. Their bite can also be stingy and its venom might cause allergy to some people. Their venom is non-lethal and may only cause temporary symptoms, such as:

• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Mild pain

The impact of a wolf spider bite eventually subsides and can only last for minutes to a few days. However, if the rash or swelling moves away from the treated area and the patient has fever or nausea, it’s best to call a medical professional.

9 Best Pesticides For Wolf Spiders in 2023 [Top Picks]

On our list below, we selected the tried and tested brands of pesticides for wolf spiders.

Unlike other insects, wolf spiders can only be killed using contact pesticides and their residual effect. Contact insecticides require the insect to come in contact with the solution to control them. 

Without further ado, here are the best contact insecticides for wolf spiders in 2023:

1. Miss Muffet’s Revenge Spider Killer

Miss Muffet’s Revenge Spider Killer is a synthetic spider killer that contains 0.05% bifenthrin. It has a 12-month residual effect on surfaces and has been a go-to pest control for homeowners for mild wolf spider infestation. It is odorless and comes in a ready-to-use formula. 

The packaging comes in a sprayer from which it can reach high elevations up to 32 ft. high. It is highly concentrated so a half-gallon goes a long way. Most gardeners spray it on areas where there is bug and spider traffic and leave them untouched overnight. They would usually find several dead spiders on the floor the next day. 

The effect of this pesticide can last for several months which also equates to several months of peace of mind. The solution takes effect within hours. You no longer need to pay an exterminator which means it’s also a cost-efficient solution. 

Though potent, it can’t kill some types of spiders like hobo spiders. The label instructions can also be confusing to some gardeners. However, for the performance itself, it’s a good investment for maintaining a spider-free home. 

2. TERRO T2302 Spider, Ant, Roach, and Other Insects Killer Aerosol Spray

TERRO is one of the well-known brands when it comes to spider and bug killers. Its aerosol spray is a handy spider killer that anyone with arachnophobia should have. Aside from successfully killing wolf spiders, it can also kill the following insects:

• The big 3: black widow, brown recluse, and hobo spiders
• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Crickets
• Scorpions
• Bed bugs

This insecticide spray provides a rapid elimination of pests and an ideal preventive treatment for wall holes, cracks, and crevices. You can spray it in bug trails and common spider hideouts. The residual effect lasts for four weeks. Re-application is required after four weeks and not weekly for safety.

This spray is a synthetic insecticide with active ingredients that include pyrethrin and deltamethrin. It has a very potent smell which turns off some gardeners and encourages them to wear safety equipment. The spray is effective on wolf spiders and kills them within 30 seconds. As they die, they turn into a marshmallow state.

3. Mighty Mint – 16oz Spider Repellent Peppermint Oil

If you’re looking for a safe solution to use around kids and pets, Mighty Mint Spider Repellent Oil is a good option. It contains 4% peppermint oil with inert ingredients that include:

• Water
• Glycerin
• Polyglycerol Oleate
• Soap

This insecticide is a solution for people who hate the potent smell of synthetic insecticides and want to keep their pets and kids safe. Most gardeners love its bubblegum smell and its all-natural and plant-based formulation. 

The formulation is extra concentrated for long-lasting protection against bugs. The only thing about this product is it only repels wolf spiders and does not kill them. This works as a double-edged sword since you’re keeping them alive while keeping your boundaries. However, they can also come back whenever they want.

4. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Indoor and Outdoor Insect Control

If you’re looking for a more potent solution for stubborn wolf spiders, Compare-N-Save might save your day. It is a synthetic insecticide that contains 7.9% bifenthrin. Its potent solution can kill wolf spiders and other insects, such as:

• Fleas
• Cockroaches 
• Ants
• Insects on ornamentals, trees, and shrubs
• Mites
• Mosquitoes

A bottle of this insecticide can cover up to 88,000 sq. ft. It comes in a ready-to-use formula that can be used indoors and outdoors. Since it contains potent ingredients, you must not apply it during windy days and when rain is expected in your area. 

Most gardeners see bugs and wolf spiders crawl out of their hiding spots when they spray this insecticide. It only takes minutes for them to see the crawlies dead on the ground. The residual effect of this insecticide can last for several months, which is commendable.

The only problem is it can also be potent to surrounding beneficial insects. Your pets and children should also be prohibited in the treated areas. You must only allow them when the insecticide has dried up completely. If used indoors, you should also wash the materials exposed.

5. FMC Talstar Pro 3/4 Gal-Multi Use Insecticide

Talstar is another well-known insecticide used by pest control professionals. This synthetic insecticide contains 7.9% bifenthrin and can treat over 75 types of insects. Some of them include:

The formulation of this pesticide is highly potent, where an ounce can produce a gallon and cover 1,000 sq. ft. of space. It is ideal for use in residential and commercial locations. However, it should not be used with a broadcast sprayer and applied on vegetable gardens and fruit-bearing trees. 

Most gardeners who are dealing with palm-sized wolf spiders can count on this pesticide. It takes about a week to see the effect on the bugs and insects. However, unlike its competitors, it doesn’t have a long-lasting residual effect. 

Homeowners use it as monthly maintenance to keep their property bug-free. It is effective and easy to use. Just remember to not let anyone on the treated areas.

6. Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer has one of the most potent pesticide formulations that can kill home pests. It contains 0.05% bifenthrin and 0.0125% cypermethrin which are two kinds of pyrethrin, leading to more efficient bug-killing protection. It can control:

If you hate the potent smell of insecticides, this brand is ideal for you. It doesn’t smell, doesn’t stain, and keeps the bugs out of your house. It creates a barrier between your home and the insects outdoors for up to 12 months on non-porous surfaces. 

Its sprayer packaging makes it stand out among its competitors. It comes with a wand that allows you to maneuver the spray in reaching in tight areas. Gardeners and homeowners love it because it kills bugs on contact or as soon as they cross over the treated area. 

Like other insecticides, it is only safe when it’s dry. So, keep the children and pets off until the treated area is safe. Though it contains a very potent mix of pyrethrins, it doesn’t pose any threat to humans and has been effective for killing palm-sized wolf spiders.

7. Syngenta 73654 Demand CS Insecticide

Syngenta Demand CS Insecticide is a water-based insecticide containing a unique technology prolonging its residual effect. It is fortified with microcap technology or iCAP technology™ that adds multiple-sized lipophilic microcaps in Demand CS formulation.

The microcaps stay in the waxy cuticles of the insects and carry them to their hideouts. The microcap in their body will also kill the bugs they come in contact with.

In turn, it provides an extended residual effect in treated areas which can last for up to 90 days. It provides an extended 60 days more than other insecticides. It helps control the following insects:

• Spiders
• Ants
• Flies
• Wasps
• Fleas
• Ticks 
• Bed bugs.

Demand CS is quick to kill insects and their colonies. It is also applicable for indoor use but in smaller doses. Its active ingredient is 9.7% lambda-cyhalothrin1 and microcaps. It is safe to use around kids and pets as long as it is dry.

8. Reclaim IT/Supreme IT Insecticide

Supreme I/T or the former Reclaim I/T is one of the most recommended pest control services of professional pest control service providers. It is a bifenthrin insecticide concentrate that helps control over 70 kinds of insects. It is loved because of its advantages which include:

• Non-staining formula
• No odor 
• Effective for spiders

This insecticide contains 7.9% bifenthrin with a residual effect of 90 days. The formula is highly concentrated which means it has a low mix rate. You just need to wait for an hour to see dead insects around.

It is ideal for treating common household pests like: American Dog Ticks, Ants, Aphids, Armyworms, Spider Mites, Wasps, Whiteflies, etc.

Re-application is only necessary if there are new sightings of insects and spiders in your house. Pest control professionals recommend that you use another pesticide after each use of Reclaim I/T to prevent them from developing resistance to it.

9. Delta Dust Multi Use Pest Control Insecticide Dust

Lastly, we have a different kind of insecticide formula. Delta Insecticide Dust is made of a powdery substance that contains 0.05% of deltamethrin. The dust clings to insects which kill them in minutes. A pound of Delta Dust can cover about 2,000 sq. ft. of space.

It can help control:

Delta Dust is a bag of waterproof dust that does not absorb moisture. It is used by some gardeners to kill cockroaches in sewers and drainage holes. It is odorless and has a residual effect of eight months. 

Due to its unique formulation, it is approved for use in restaurants and commercial food-handling establishments. It is also ideal for use both indoors and outdoors. It has no potent odor and is easy to apply. However, the product is not available for shipping in New York and Connecticut.

Gardeners notice that it can kill wolf spiders within a week. It also doesn’t disintegrate or wash out after heavy rain. If you want to keep a bug-free garage, this product is worth trying.

---

How To Get Rid of Wolf Spiders For Good?

Most of us are afraid of spiders simply because of their multiple legs and an unusual number of eyes. They stare at you like you’ll be crushed with a wrong move.

However, they only visit your humble home because their stash of food is also around the nooks and crannies of your house. 

Pest control will be smooth sailing if you know what you’re targeting. Are you sure you’re dealing with wolf spiders?  

The first step for pest control is proper identification.

1. Identify The Type of Spiders in Your Property

Most pest control service providers use three parameters in identifying the kind of spiders they have at home. 

Unless you’re willing to stare at them and observe, here are some of the essential features to look for:

• No. of eyes: If you get a glimpse of their teeny weeny eyes, wolf spiders have three rows of eyes where two large-sized ones are at the top row, two medium-sized eyes in the middle, and four small eyes at the bottom. They have the third-best eyesight among other spiders. 
• Size: A wolf spider measures around 1 inch to 2 inches. It has short legs and a stout body and has markings on its body for camouflage reasons.
• Color: Wolf spiders don’t have flashy colors and mimic the colors of their habitat. If you found their nest in your yard, they will likely have brown markings.
• Behavior: They have unique behaviors that set them apart from other types of spiders. These behaviors are:
  • Unlike a typical spider, they do not spin webs and attack their prey by running too fast. They hold their prey on their legs before eating them.
  • They are not aggressive and won’t jump at you at any given minute. They only bite when provoked like sweat bees.
  • As a solitary type, they burrow their nest in the soil or any gaps and crevices in your house.
  • As parents, wolf spiders carry their egg sacs at the end of their abdomen. Once the eggs are hatched, they still carry the spiderlings on their back until they’re old enough to protect themselves.

2. Find Their Hideout

Once you confirm that you are dealing with wolf spiders, it’s time to find their hideout. You won’t find them busy spinning their webs.

Instead, you’ll find them in places with high bug traffic. Their favorite hideouts include:

3. Controlling The Wolf Spider Population

Before you use any pesticide to clear these elusive but intimidating arachnids, you must first try to get rid of their food source. 

Here are the step-by-step control measures that you can do to keep wolf spiders out of your house:

4. Prevent Future Wolf Spider Infestation

Once your house is squeaky clean from bugs and spiders, your next goal is maintenance. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with another set of wolf spiders around your house. The best prevention tips include:

• Seal any crevices and holes around the house. It will not only keep spiders away but also other possible pests around like skunks or bees.
• Apply preventive pest control once in a while. Make it a part of your annual home maintenance.
• Get rid of bugs around your house. Always remember that when there is a food source, predators like wolf spiders will keep coming. 

Pro Tip: Dos and Don’ts in controlling wolf spiders: Unlike other insects, avoid taunting a wolf spider to prevent it from being aggressive. You should also avoid swatting or squishing them to avoid spreading hundreds of their spiderlings.

Final Thoughts

The best pesticides for wolf spiders are solutions containing pyrethrin and its type like bifenthrin, cypermethrin, etc. Wolf spiders also hate the smell of peppermint essential oils. 

The brands of insecticides we listed in this post include both natural and synthetic approaches to help gardeners deal with mild and severe wolf spider infestations.

From our list above, here are the top-performing brands we recommend to any household:

• TERRO Insect Killer Aerosol Spray – Most handy spider killer
• Mighty Mint Spider Repellent Peppermint Oil – Kid & pet safe spider repellent
• Reclaim IT/Supreme IT Insecticide – Best for a bug-free home maintenance

We hope this post helped you be free from night terrors due to wolf spiders. Let us know in the comments which brand kept you away from these little crawlers. 

Also, please don’t forget to share this post with your friends who have arachnophobia and help them live a pest-free life.

We wish you a bug-free home and peaceful nights at home!.