North Carolina is home to more than 1,200 species of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles — and big, hairy spiders that can invade your home.

Carolina wolf spiders are the largest species of wolf spider in North America and can be found all over North Carolina, according to Triangle Pest Control. They are usually most active in spring, summer and fall.

Here’s how to identify wolf spiders, where they live, whether they pose a threat to humans and pets and how to keep them out of your home.

What do wolf spiders look like?

Wolf spiders are known for their big bodies and large legs, according to Raleigh-based Stomp Pest Control.

The spiders can be as long as three inches, the company says.

They are a lighter medium-brown or brownish-gray color, with noticeable hair or fur, and have eight eyes in two rows on their heads.

Where are wolf spiders usually found?

According to Orkin, some wolf spiders choose to live in dry woodland areas, while others prefer wet, coastal forests, which is why they can be found all over the U.S.

They can also live in gardens, and can enter your home through basements, doors, garages and windows, Orkin says.

Unlike other species, wolf spiders don’t spin webs. Instead, they burrow holes in the ground that can be open or sealed with silken doors.

Are wolf spiders dangerous to humans?

Wolf spider venom is not venomous and they generally do not pose a threat to people, but their bites could be painful, according to WebMD.

“If you have mild pain, swelling, or itchiness around the bite, it shouldn’t last long,” WebMD says. “The pain should go away within minutes. The swelling should go down slowly, and the itching may last a few days as the skin heals.”

If you notice any of the following symptoms, WebMD recommends seeking medical treatment right away:

• Cramping or having tight muscles around the bite

• Headache or feeling dizzy

• A rash that spreads outward from the site of the bite and may include itching that spreads

• Sweating whether you feel hot or cold

• Nausea or vomiting

• Trouble breathing

• Fever‌

• Weakness or uncontrollable shaking

Are wolf spiders dangerous to pets?

While wolf spider venom usually isn’t harmful to humans, it can be fatal in small pets, according to Innovative Pest Solutions.

If a wolf spider bites your pet, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to keep wolf spiders out of your home

Here are some ways you can prevent wolf spiders from getting into your home, according to Stomp Pest Control:

• Make sure there are no food sources readily available around your home.

• Clean out your gutters to prevent standing or pooling water that attracts pests.

• Clean up debris and litter around your yard, including leaf piles.

• Trim branches and keep shrubs around five feet or more from around your home’s exterior.

• Caulk any cracks or gaps in the foundation and repair any screens or window gaps to keep pests from entering.

• Minimize clutter in your basement, garage, and closet.

“If wolf spiders are already in your home, you can spray a bit of peppermint essential oil or use a spider and insect spray to eliminate them in your home, though we would recommend professional spider extermination to ensure the problem is thoroughly eliminated,” the company says.