How to Control Hobo Spider Infestations

Unlike most spiders that are harmless, the hobo spider is one of three venomous spiders that can be found worldwide. The hobo is most commonly found throughout the Pacific Northwest. The other two common venomous spiders are:

Spider

• Black widow: found throughout North America, but are most common in the southern and western areas.
• Brown recluse: most commonly found in the Midwestern and southern states.

What It Looks Like

• Body: large of about 1/2-inch long.
• Legs: extend 1/2 to almost two inches.
• Coloring: brown with yellow chevron-shaped markings on the abdomen.
• Distinguishing marks: can be differentiated from other spiders because its short-haired legs do not have dark-colored bands.

Where It is Found

• Prevalent throughout the Pacific Northwest.
• Outdoors in retaining walls, foundations, window wells, and stacks of firewood and bricks.
• Indoors in boxes, piles or other storage, under baseboard heaters or radiators, behind furniture, in closets.
• Generally near the ground whether indoors or out.

What It Does

• It builds funnel webs in holes, cracks, and recesses. A funnel web, as the name implies, resembles a funnel, with one end wider than the other flattened end. It is built horizontally on the ground or into piles, or attached to stationary structures near the ground.
• Although they do not climb, hobo spiders do run very fast.
• Although not generally aggressive to people, they can attack or bite if they feel threatened.
• A person who has been bitten may not realize it, as it may not immediately cause any symptoms or reaction. However, a bite can be serious and result in a very slow-healing wound and permanent scar.

How to Control Hobo Spiders

In addition to general spider control methods, in areas where hobo spiders are prevalent, it is critical to keep wood, debris, and vegetation away from the house, as dead wood is a natural web and breeding site for hobo spiders. To keep them from entering the home, ensure that all windows and doors are well sealed and caulk cracks and gaps where the spiders could enter.

The National Park Service (NPS) also recommends the use of glue traps as potentially effective and available from many sources. Additionally, when found, the spiders and their nests can be vacuumed, with the contents of the vacuum bag then placed in a sealed plastic bag and disposed of. It is also advised that gloves and protective clothing be worn in potentially infested areas.

As stated by NPS, “Insecticides are not usually needed to manage web-building spiders, but if one seems to be indicated, confer with your region IPM coordinator to discuss this option.”

The Severity of Hobo Spider Bites

Although the bite of a hobo spider may be rare, it can be very serious and anyone suspecting a hobo spider bite should seek medical care immediately.