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What Is a Hobo Spider?
Hobo spiders are a common pest throughout the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. These spiders get their name from their habit of living along railroad tracks. Hobo spiders belong to the funnel-web spider family, so they construct webs with a small tube in the center that they hide in.
What Does a Hobo Spider Look Like?
- Actual Size: 1 to 1¾” including legs
- Appearance: Light to medium brown; dark stripe down the center of the body.
- Legs: 8
- Additional Characteristics: Extremely fast with the ability to move up to three feet per second, but are not strong climbers
Where Are Hobo Spiders Found?
Hobo spiders are typically found along railroad tracks; however, they are also frequently found in other spaces such as window wells, firewood, and bricks. They tend to build their funnel-shaped webs in dark crevices, such as beneath rocks, retaining walls, landscaping features, irrigation boxes, and foundations of properties.
If these spiders wander indoors, they are often drawn to secluded areas like basements or garages, as they are not social and generally run away from humans. However, they can also become trapped in tubs and sinks while searching for water. Since hobo spiders are not great climbers, you can usually spot them running across the floor or resting near ground level.
What Attracts Hobo Spiders?
Hobo spiders are attracted to dark, damp, and humid environments, which give them an ideal location to hide and build their funnel webs. Depending on the time of year, these spiders may find their way into your home while looking for warmth or a mate.
Are Hobo Spiders Poisonous?
Though once considered highly venomous, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has proven that hobo spiders are actually not toxic to humans. These spiders are not aggressive and generally avoid interacting with humans, so bites are rare. If they do bite, it is generally painless and not harmful.
That said, if you have been bitten by a hobo spider and are concerned about a skin reaction, it is recommended to see a doctor.
While hobo spiders are not considered dangerous, their large and frightening appearance can be bothersome to home and property owners. So, if you are dealing with a hobo spider infestation on your property, contact your local spider exterminators.
