Identification
| Feature | Hobo Spider |
|---|---|
| Size | Body 7–14mm; leg span up to 45mm |
| Colour | Brown with chevron (herringbone) pattern on abdomen |
| Eyes | 8 eyes in two horizontal rows - no distinctive markings |
| Legs | Brown, no rings or banding |
| Web | Horizontal funnel-shaped sheet web with a tube retreat at the back |
| Behaviour | Poor climber - stays at ground level. Runs fast when disturbed. |
Hobo Spider vs Giant House Spider vs Brown Recluse
| Species | Found in Kent WA? | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Hobo Spider | Common | Chevron abdomen markings, funnel web, ground-level |
| Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica) | Very common | Larger than hobo, darker, abdomen blotchy not chevron - same funnel web |
| Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) | Not established in WA | Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax, six eyes in pairs |
When Are Hobo Spiders Active?
Hobo spiders are active year-round but most visible August through October, when adult males leave their funnel webs to wander in search of mates. This is when they are most commonly encountered inside homes - crossing floors, found in bathtubs (they fall in and cannot climb out), and discovered in garages and basements.
How to Reduce Hobo Spider Activity
- Reduce clutter at ground level in garages, crawl spaces, and storage areas - hobo spiders need undisturbed areas to build funnel webs
- Sticky traps along baseboards catch wandering males effectively
- Seal entry points - same exclusion measures that reduce rodent and insect entry also reduce spider entry
- Treat the prey base - spiders follow their food. Reducing insect populations inside the home is the most effective long-term spider control strategy.
- Exterior perimeter treatment - residual insecticide applied to the perimeter kills insects before they enter, which reduces the prey base that sustains spiders indoors
