Although most are harmless, spiders ranked second for the most concerning house pest.
Hobo spiders are common especially in the Northwest of the United States and are known for getting a little too comfortable in homes. Perhaps you’ve noticed several hobo spiders scuttling around and you’re not sure how to get rid of them.
Sound familiar? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Do Hobo Spiders Look Like?
Note that there are variations such as the hobo spider wolf spider or the hobo spider brown recluse. Because of this, you’ll notice that their webs are unique and they nest in different locations.
It’s difficult to identify this type of spider because they’re brown and gray like most species. But the most distinctive features are a v-shaped mark on its abdomen (facing towards the head), solid-colored legs, and a light stripe that runs along the middle of their sternum.
If you’re interested in the hobo spider size, adults grow up to 1.75 inches long.
Signs of Hobo Spiders in Your Home
A telltale sign that you have a hobo spider infestation is an abundance of webs in your home. Hobo spiders are known as funnel weavers which means their webs have a funnel area where the spider spends most of its time.
You’ll notice that their webs are visible from afar thanks to their milky appearance and are often in cracks, corners, and shrubs. Hobo spider webs also have a trip line which alerts the spider that prey has entered and quickly, the spider will eat it.
Note that hobo spiders aren’t good climbers so you’ll find their webs closer to the ground especially in dark, damp places. So check behind your furniture, in between boxes, and your basement.
Are Hobo Spider Bites Poisonous?
Hobo spiders have poor vision and generally flee if they notice a threat bigger than them. But it’s important to note female hobo spiders are protective of their eggs and will be aggressive if they think you’re going to harm their young ones.
As a result, you could suffer from a hobo spider bite. There’s been misformation about how fatal their bite is but recent research found that it’s unlikely that you’ll suffer serious medical complications.
Don’t terrify yourself with hobo spider bite pictures, you’ll notice that your surrounding skin will swell, turn red, and you’ll experience mild pain. It’ll look like a blister but if it gets unbearably itchy and turns blue or black then seek immediate medical attention.
To treat the bite, clean the affected area with mild soap and water then apply a cold compress over it. If the bite is on your leg or arm then keep it elevated to prevent swelling. Even if there’s little pain, it’s wise to go to the doctor as they’ll give you a tetanus shot to prevent an infection.
Getting Rid of Hobo Spiders
Luckily, there are many effective ways to remove hobo spiders from your property. One of the most obvious ones is to de-clutter your home because spiders love to make amidst clutter so they’re undisturbed. This means you should remove excessive furniture and dust your home regularly.
You must also remove the hobo spider’s food source. This species eats anything that lands in their web so if you’ve noticed a rise in flies or other smaller insects, use an electric insect killer to get rid of them.
Next, remove them so they’ll be forced to relocate. You can either suck the web with a vacuum or wrap the web around a long stick and empty the contents in a garbage can away from your home’s exterior. Make sure you seal the bag.
Another option is to sprinkle a layer of diatomaceous earth in the corners of your home, on windowsills, door frames, and around the perimeter. This is a white powder that kills most insects, including hobo spiders, and they’ll die once they come in contact with it.
And don’t forget your yard as hobo spiders love hiding under debris or in the areas where the grass meets your home’s foundation. Because of this, regularly trim your lawn, de-clutter your yard, and remove unnecessary items like a decorative rock.
But, to ensure you’ve effectively got rid of these unwanted intruders, you should Google “hobo spider pest control near me“. These guys are experts and can identify the source of the infestation, know how to deal with it, and ensure there’s no more further damage to your home.
Another major benefit is their treatment process is swift, often within hours, so your home will be free from hobo spiders in no time.
That’s Everything to Know About Hobo Spiders
Hopefully, you’ve learned more about hobo spiders from identifying them to signs of an infestation.
It’s important to be on the lookout for their presence and take immediate action so they don’t wreak havoc on your home. Make sure you eliminate their food source, seal entryways, and contact a reputable pest control company as they have the equipment and expertise to get rid of them once and for all. Good luck!
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