Question: My wife killed a large black hairy spider. What kind is it and is it dangerous?

ANSWER  I think what you have are wolf spiders (Family: Lycosidae).  These spiders are usually large and ”hairy” (their legs will have long hairs on them).  They usually live outdoors, but sometime are found indoors especially around lights and in doorways, where insects are common at night.

These large spiders look more dangerous than they really are.  They are hunters of insects and do not build webs.   They are fast moving and will seem threatening by this rapid movement, but actually they are trying to get away and not chase you.

The best control for wolf spiders is to eliminate the insects that they use for food. Look around the outside for openings that insects could use as entryways. Check to see if porch lights or light from windows is attracting insects at night.  It will probably help to spray around the perimeter of the house as a barrier.