The hobo spider is a light to medium brown arachnid that can grow to lengths of up to ½” and a body diameter of 1 and ¾”. This spider got its name from the way people assumed it spread across the US – by hitching rides along the major highways of the Pacific Northwest. This species has first reached the US in the 1930s from Europe, and since then, it has spread to at least six states, displacing many of the native species that got in its way.
Behavior
Hobo spiders will build webs in the shape of a funnel, with one end being larger than the other, and the smaller end leading inside a crack, hole or some other protected area. Hobo spiders are known to bite people, and it’s particularly the male spiders that deliver most of the bites. This is because the males wander extensively seeking a mate, and this leads them more often into contact with humans. The bites however mostly occur in self-defense.
There are myths circulating about the effects of a hobo spider bite, and these myths have gained traction because hobo spiders are often confused with other species. Some reports say that the bite is capable of causing a necrotic lesion, similar to the bite of a brown recluse, but the prevailing consensus is that the bite of a hobo spider mostly causes mild pain and redness.
Prevention and control
Hobo spiders have been known to wander and set up inside homes. The prevention measures that can be put in place to prevent an infestation are similar to those used against other spiders, insects and pests. More specifically, you need to deny them access into the home by using screens on all your doors and windows. You then want to clear up the clutter in the home and lower moisture levels. To avoid a bite, it’s advised that you use caution when putting on clothes or shoes, or when you are dealing with items that have been in storage for a long period of time.
A pest control professional will be able to implement even stronger preventative measures, such as using insecticides around common entry points and areas of infestation. A pro will also be able to remove infestations by destroying the spider’s nests and using insecticides. If you would like to know more about these measures, how they are implemented, and how much they cost, contact us today.