Coming to a City Near You

Spider

Arriving from Europe, the Hobo spider was first discovered in the Pacific Northwest United States in the 1930’s. With the help of railways and hitching rides with humans along major highways, the Hobo spider has migrated eastward, as well as some southern states.

The Hobo spider is a member of the funnel-web spider family. These spiders are known for creating (overlying strands of silk) funnel shaped webs to entangle prey preventing escape before attacking. Hobo spiders seek areas that support tunnel formation such as, holes, cracks, or crevices.

Since the male Hobo Spiders substantially wander about seeking a mate from early July to October, they are responsible for more bites than the females. Shortly after mating the male dies. The female hobo Spider lays its eggs in September and they hatch during late spring. The female Hobo Spiders also dies shortly after laying her four egg cases (capable of producing over 400 eggs). The juvenile spiders hatch in June.

Interesting Facts

  • Hobo spiders have extremely poor vision
  • An escape tunnel is built in the back of the web
  • Hobo spiders do not attack humans (they prefer to flee than fight)
  • Hobo spiders are poor climbers and rarely found above ground level
  • Hobo spiders are fast runners, up to 3 feet per second, when moving from place to place.
  • Webs may be found in low, out of the way, dark places such as basements, window wells and crawl spaces.

Current evidence and findings conclude that hobo spider bites cause only mild pain and redness (blisters and skin problems have also been documented). Spiders in the United States that have toxic venom dangerous to humans include the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider, but not the hobo spider.

Spider Prevention

  • Repair screens on all doors and windows
  • Be sure to inspect interior of stored shoes before wearing
  • Store clothing, shoes, and other items in secure storage bins
  • Repair and seal any access points such as cracks in the exterior foundation of the home
  • Remove all debris (leaves, woodpiles) from around exterior of home
  • Contact a pest professional

When performing outdoor chores (gardening, yard work) or cleaning out the attic, wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves, and boots.

About Southern Pest Control & Sovereign Pest Control:
Southern Pest Control & Sovereign Pest Control offer a full line of pest control, termite, exterminating, and mosquito management services for residential homeowners in Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia homeowners – serving over 40,000 annually. Unwanted pests can pose a huge risk to your home or business on multiple levels. SPC provides qualified, experienced, and licensed pest control professionals prepared to resolve any pest issues that homeowners or business may be experiencing. Southern and Sovereign Pest Control respects their customers’ time and strives to make it convenient when scheduling service. For your convenience, SPC schedules EXACT TIME Appointments. A dedicated dispatch, GPS, and routing system, along with on the hour appointments, enables SPC to cater to their customers’ schedules. All field personnel are state registered or certified. SPC services over 40,000 residential homeowners. Contact Southern Pest Control at (800) 627-0577 to schedule an inspection. For a list of complete services and locations please visit www.southernpestcontrol.com. Southern Pest Control can also be found on social media websites: facebook.com/southernpestcontrol