How To Get Rid Of Hobo Spiders In Your Home

Not everyone has heard of hobo spiders, but these common types of spiders found in the home can startle even the bravest among us. Part of the reason is that these unwelcome visitors are often mistaken for the venomous and deadly brown recluse spiders, but while they may look similar, hobo spiders are actually harmless to humans. Still, no one wants them in their living space, and luckily, there are some simple ways to get rid of hobo spiders in your home including vacuuming, using traps, and eliminating clutter, food sources, and debris around the house.

Hobo spiders are known for their distinctive funnel-shaped webs. Typically brown, these spiders have a distinctive light stripe on their sternum. They tend to range from 7 to 14 millimeters long. Hobo spiders are nocturnal and love to dwell in dark, damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. They're also fond of hiding in cluttered spaces, like behind furniture or in boxes. However, they don't climb very well so are not usually found on higher floors.

If you see a hobo spider and want to humanely remove it, you can try to gather it by covering it with a jar and placing a piece of paper under it so you can let it go in your yard. However, hobo spiders can bite when threatened. Typically, their bites don't cause a major reaction, and many people won't even realize they have been bitten. Another option is to suck them up with a vacuum, which can be more effective because they are incredibly fast — believe it or not, they have been reported to run over 2 miles an hour. Hobo spider webs can also be eradicated with a vacuum cleaner. You'll want to vacuum often to eliminate potential nesting and hiding spaces. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister after each use to prevent the spiders from escaping.

Another option is to use traps. They are especially helpful since you may not see hobo spiders during the day and you can also use live traps and release them the following morning.

Keep in mind that if the infestation is severe, you'll want to call an exterminator who can remove the spiders as well as give you tips on preventing future infestations. Remember, it's essential to act quickly when dealing with hobo spiders, as they can multiply rapidly. By taking swift action, you can eliminate the problem and prevent it from getting out of hand.

To keep hobo spiders away from your home for good, you'll need to identify the source of the spiders. Look for areas where spiders might be entering your home, such as cracks and crevices around windows and doors, or gaps in your home's foundation or walls. Seal up any openings that you find, using caulk or weatherstripping, to keep spiders out.

Also, remove any debris, clutter, and food sources that might be attracting spiders to your home. Keep your home clean and tidy, and avoid leaving piles of boxes or other items in corners or against walls. Store items in sealed containers or plastic bags to prevent spiders from hiding in them. Consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture levels in your home. Hobo spiders prefer humid environments, so by reducing the moisture levels, you can make your home less appealing to them.

To prevent hobo spiders from coming back to your home, use diatomaceous earth. This is a natural, non-toxic substance that can be used to repel and kill spiders. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home and in areas where spiders have been a problem. Plant spider-repellent herbs like peppermint, lavender, and tea trees around the perimeter of your home. These herbs have natural oils that repel spiders.