Hobo Spiders

Hobo Spiders or Tegenaria Agrestis are also known as funnel web spiders. The characteristic of these spiders is that they build webs with a funnel shaped structure at the center where they lie in wait for their prey.

Hobo Spiders: Identifying Spiders

Hobo Spiders are generally brown or rust colored. The female of the species is about 11 to 15 millimeters long, while the male of the species is about 8 to 11 millimeters long. The Hobo Spider is generally identified by a herringbone pattern on the top of their abdomens. Also the Hobo Spider has comparatively smoother legs.

Hobo Spiders: Web

The Hobo Spiders construct a web which is a flattish or curved sheet of dense silk fibers, which curves upwards at the ends. The web then slants to one corner where it forms a tubular place where the spider rests and waits for his prey. The tube also has an escape hole at the back. The web of the Hobo Spider is not sticky.

Hobo Spiders: Prey

The Hobo Spiders prey on household pests such as houseflies, earwigs, silverfish, roaches and beetles.

Hobo Spiders: Where Are They Found

The Hobo Spiders are natives of western and central Europe. They are also found in the northwestern part of USA and southwestern part of Canada. They generally prefer moderately dry and warm climates and are normally found in gardens and fields and hedges.

Hobo Spiders: Bite and Treatment

Although the Hobo Spiders are known for being aggressive, humans are not their prey. However, they can certainly bite humans when they feel threatened or when they are accidentally squeezed or crushed by humans.Their venom is strong enough to cause a lot of pain and often the skin at and around the area of the bite will get destroyed and fall off.

When one is bitten by a Hobo Spider, care must be taken to ensure that the wound bleeds, thus washing out the venom. An antiseptic should be applied to the area of the spider bite.One should never scratch the area of the spider bite. The use of aspirin, cold or hot packs should also be avoided.

Call your doctor immediately and take the treatment that is prescribed.