Is the Hobo Spider Idaho’s Most Feared Arachnid?

You have likely heard stories about hobo spider bites that would not heal and caused the death of surrounding skin tissue. These horrifying mental images can definitely make you panic about  seeing spiders in and around your home, and it's no wonder that many people fear hobo spiders above any other spiders in Idaho. But are these rumors true? How dangerous are hobo spiders, and how can you prevent bites?

Hobo spider by Judgeking, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Hobo Spider Identification

Hobo spiders were first reported in Idaho in the 1960’s, but are now common throughout the Gem State. These large spiders can be difficult to accurately identify because they are similar in appearance to many other species. Hobos are tan or gray with pale yellow markings on their abdomens. They can grow up to 1 ¾ inches in diameter with their long legs extended, and have 8 eyes of equal size in 2 rows across their heads.

Hobo spiders are most commonly encountered in mid-July through early September when lone males go off in search of a mate. They do not usually live indoors, but may enter dwellings during their wanderings. Hobo spiders are fast runners, but they are not good climbers so they are rarely seen on ceilings. They will spin funnel-shaped webs that can be described as flat and trampoline-like. These webs will also contain a cylindrical exit where the spider can retreat.

Hobo spiders will bite humans if disturbed, but you should be relieved to hear that early reports of necrotic hobo spider bites and slow-healing lesions have been widely disproven. The bites may be painful and cause redness and swelling, but a hobo spider bite will not cause tissue death, and they are no longer considered a threat. Due to this new research and understanding, the poisonous black widow spider is now considered the most dangerous threat in Idaho.

Hobo Spider Prevention

Although hobo spiders are not poisonous, preventing bites, especially in children or the elderly, is still important. Spider-proofing your home is the best way to keep your home and family safe. There are a number of things you can do to keep spiders out.

• Seal doors and windows using weather stripping and caulk
• Fill cracks and gaps along the foundation
• Declutter your home and yard to get rid of hiding spots
• Place sticky traps around doors and windows 
• Regularly clean your home and vacuum under furniture and in corners 
• Inspect firewood before bringing it inside and store it away from the house
• Eliminate outdoor habitat like dense vines, bark mulches, and overgrown grass and shrubs
• Wear gloves when working in the yard
• Have your home sprayed for insects (the main hobo food source) including an insecticide barrier treatment

Treasure Valley Pest Control

If you want to keep spiders and other pests away from your home and family, trust the local experts at Averse Pest Control. We know the area and the pests because we have spent our lives living and working in the Boise area. Our expert technicians will take care of the pests safely and quickly, while treating you as friends. Call us today to get started. You won’t regret it!