Hobo Spider

Category:

Actual Size: 1 to 1¾” including legs

Characteristics: Light to dark brown. A darker stripe down the center of the body and lighter-colored legs.

Legs: 8

Habitat: Often found outdoors in retaining walls, water meter boxes, and building foundations. May run across floors if indoors.

Habits:

  • Contrary to popular belief, bites are not considered toxic to humans. 
  • Bites are rare and usually painless. 
  • Often found along railroad tracks, hence their nickname.

Hobo Spiders in Anaheim

The hobo spider is a common pest in Anaheim. They get their nickname from their habit of hiding near railroad tracks, though they’re also found in places like rock walls or irrigation boxes. Hobo spiders are part of the funnel-web spider family and create funnel-shaped silk structures to use for shelter and protection. They can move quickly, reaching speeds of up to three feet per second, but they are not skilled climbers.

Hobo Spider Habitat

Hobo spiders are often found in various outdoor locations, including rock retaining walls, cracks in soil or concrete, around window wells, or tucked away in stacks of firewood. When indoors, they tend to move along the floor or stay near ground level. While they aren’t skilled climbers, you might occasionally find them in tubs and sinks. While some may be seen a bit higher above the floor, most hobo spiders are usually seen scurrying across the floor or in webs close to the ground or plants.

Hobo Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Hobo spiders seldom bite humans, and when they do, the bite is usually painless. Though it was once thought that hobo spiders lead to tissue damage or skin death (called necrosis), that is not the case. Unlike some other spiders known to cause such issues, the hobo spider’s venom is not considered harmful to humans, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That said, if you have sustained any spider bite and are experiencing a skin reaction, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.