Hobo spiders, scientifically known as Eratigena agrestis, are often mistaken for other brown spiders like the brown recluse. Though their bite is not as harmful as once believed, these spiders can still be an unwelcome presence in your home.
This guide will provide you with effective methods to get rid of hobo spiders and prevent them from returning.
Identify and Understand Hobo Spiders First
Hobo spiders are typically light to medium brown, with darker stripes and a chevron pattern on the combined head and thorax, as well as solid brown legs.
They are poor climbers, so you’ll usually find them at ground level, hiding in dark, damp areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. They build funnel-shaped webs and are most active during late summer and fall (September to early October).
Hobo spider bites were once thought to cause serious skin issues, but that’s been debunked. Now, it’s known that their bites usually just cause mild redness or irritation. These spiders only bite if provoked, so if you do get bitten, keep an eye on it and see a doctor if anything unusual happens.
Related Post: How to Get Rid of Brown Widow Spiders from Your Home?
Declutter and Clean Your Home
Hobo spiders thrive in cluttered environments where they can hide and hunt for prey.
So, start by decluttering your home, especially in areas like basements, closets, and garages. Remove piles of boxes, papers, and other materials that can serve as hiding spots.
Regularly vacuuming these areas is also essential, as it helps to remove webs, egg sacs, and even the spiders themselves.
Seal Entry Points
Prevent hobo spiders from entering your home by sealing all potential entry points. Inspect your home for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and the foundation, and use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these areas.
Additionally, make sure that all window and door screens are intact and repair any that are damaged.
Remove Webs, Eggs, and Food Sources
To effectively control and eliminate hobo spiders, disrupt their breeding cycle and remove their food sources. Start by removing any webs you find in and around your home.
Hobo spiders build funnel-shaped webs that are usually located at ground level in dark, secluded areas. Use a vacuum or a broom to remove these webs along with any egg sacs you encounter.
Additionally, hobo spiders prey on insects like flies, ants, and beetles, so controlling these pests will reduce the spider’s food supply. Regularly sweep and vacuum areas where insects might gather, such as kitchens, basements, and garages.
This not only removes potential food sources but also deters spiders from settling in.
Use Traps and Natural Repellents
Sticky traps are effective in capturing hobo spiders as they roam at night. Place these traps along baseboards and in corners where spiders are likely to travel.
For a more natural approach, consider using diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home. This non-toxic powder dehydrates and kills spiders and other insects on contact.
Additionally, planting spider-repellent herbs like peppermint, lavender, and tea trees around your home can help keep hobo spiders at bay.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to eliminate hobo spiders. Focus on low-traffic areas where spiders are likely to hide, such as under furniture, along baseboards, and in storage areas.
Make sure to empty the vacuum canister or bag immediately after use to prevent any spiders from escaping back into your home.
Create a Bug Barrier
Applying a long-lasting insecticide around your home’s interior and exterior can help create a barrier that prevents spiders and their prey from entering.
Apply these products to non-porous surfaces, and they’ll provide protection for up to 12 months, depending on the product. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully to ensure effective and safe application.
Treat the Yards & Lawns
Since hobo spiders often enter homes from the outside, it’s important to control their presence in your yard. Clear away vegetation, woodpiles, and other debris from the sides of your home.
Consider treating your lawn and landscape with an appropriate insecticide to reduce the spider population and eliminate their food sources, which typically include insects like ants and beetles.
If your hobo spider problem persists despite your efforts, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator.
Final Notes
While hobo spiders are not as dangerous as previously thought, they can still be a nuisance in your home.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively get rid of hobo spiders and prevent future infestations. Regular maintenance, cleanliness, and the use of natural and chemical deterrents are key to keeping your home spider-free.
