Hobo Spider Identification & Prevention

Large and fast-moving, hobo spiders strike fear in many people. However, the fear is not necessary because hobo spiders are actually a harmless species of spider.

The hobo spider is a member of the funnel-web spider family Agelenidae. They are large spiders with a body that ranges in length from ½ to ? of an inch and a total diameter (including their legs) of 1- 1 ¾  inches. Hobo spiders are light brown in color with pale markings. Like all species of spiders, hobo spiders have eight legs and two body segments, and they lack antennae and wings.

All spiders have venom, but only a few species of spiders have venom strong enough to trigger health problems in people. Hobo spiders are nuisance spiders, meaning they are a spider whose venom is not strong enough to pose a risk to people.

However, care should always be taken around these spiders, and you should never try to handle them. When they feel threatened, they will deliver a mildly painful bite that may leave behind some redness or irritation.

Hobo spiders live on properties that offer them plenty of secluded shelter and lots of insects to feed on. Most of our yards, gardens, and outdoor spaces provide a habitat that hobo spiders can make into their home.

Males of this species are very active from June to October. That is the time of year they search for a mate and also the time of year you are most likely to encounter them- either inside or outside of your home.

Hobo spiders prefer to live outside. While they can use their long legs to run very quickly, hobo spiders are not great climbers and live at ground level. They hide and build their webs under rock piles, woodpiles, brick walls, tree stumps, fallen trees, and other sheltered locations. When these spiders find their way inside of our homes they seek out damp areas to live like basements, crawl spaces, wall voids, and window wells.

Getting help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate hobo spiders and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. We are a local, family-owned home pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with hobo spiders with the help of the following prevention tips.

• Remove fallen trees and excess piles of wood or other debris that spiders could hide under from your yard and home.
• Make sure window and door screens are intact and place weather-stripping around doors.
• Keep hobo spiders out of your home by sealing cracks and openings in the exterior walls and foundation of your home.
• Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Replace white outdoor lights with yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to spiders and insects.
• Reduce any clutter in basements and crawl spaces.