Hobo vs. Brown Recluse Spider

Spiders can be a bit scary, especially if you don’t know much about them. Two spiders that often get confused are the hobo spider and the brown recluse spider. Understanding the differences between them can help keep you and your home safe.

Spiders are common, and not all of them are dangerous. However, identifying and differentiating the hobo spider from the brown recluse spider can be very helpful. If you’re curious about which spiders are harmful in the United States, this guide can help you understand more. In this guide, we’ll explore their characteristics, where they live, and what you should do if you encounter one.

What is a Hobo Spider?

A hobo spider is a small, brown spider that likes to live in dark and quiet places like basements or under furniture. It’s not usually aggressive but may bite if it feels threatened. Hobo spiders are known for their speed and are sometimes called “aggressive house spiders,” though they only bite when provoked.

These spiders are often mistaken for other common spiders because of their brown color and average size. However, there are unique features that set them apart, such as their leg patterns and the shape of their web, which is usually funnel-shaped.

Fun Fact: Hobo spiders were named after the idea that they traveled on trains, like hobos!

Where Do Hobo Spiders Live?

Hobo spiders are most common in the northwestern United States, including states like Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. They prefer cool, damp places, so you’ll often find them in basements, garages, or even in a pile of wood.

These spiders tend to stay close to the ground, hiding in cracks or crevices where they can easily catch prey. They are most active during the late summer and early fall, which is when people are most likely to encounter them indoors.

Pro Tip: To avoid hobo spiders, keep these areas clean and dry. Reducing moisture levels in your basement or garage can make it less attractive to hobo spiders.

What Do Hobo Spiders Eat?

Hobo spiders are natural hunters and eat other insects like flies, beetles, and ants. They help control the population of these bugs in your home. This makes them somewhat beneficial, although their presence is not always welcome.

• Fun Fact: By eating other insects, hobo spiders play a role in keeping your house bug-free!

Their diet consists mainly of small insects that get trapped in their webs. Hobo spiders don’t usually roam far from their webs, so if you see one, it’s likely close to its home.

What is a Brown Recluse Spider?

The brown recluse spider is another type of spider that is sometimes confused with the hobo spider. It’s also brown but has a special mark on its back that looks like a violin. This mark is why the brown recluse is often called the “fiddleback spider.”

Brown recluse spiders are reclusive by nature, which means they prefer to hide rather than come out into the open. They are usually only seen when disturbed, such as when cleaning out a closet or moving boxes in an attic.

Where Are Brown Recluse Spiders Found?

Brown recluse spiders are mostly found in the southern and midwestern parts of the United States, in states like Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. They like warm, dry areas such as closets, attics, and even inside shoes!

Brown recluse spiders are known to inhabit undisturbed areas, making places like attics, storage boxes, and seldom-used clothes prime locations for them. Because they prefer dark and quiet places, it’s essential to be cautious when reaching into these areas.

Important: Always shake out your shoes if you live in areas where brown recluse spiders are common. It’s a simple step that can prevent a potentially dangerous bite.

How Can You Tell a Hobo Spider from a Brown Recluse?

It’s important to know how to tell these two spiders apart. Here’s a simple graph to help you:

Additional Differences:

• Web Shape: Hobo spiders build funnel-shaped webs, while brown recluse spiders create irregular, loosely woven webs.
• Eye Pattern: Hobo spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows, while brown recluse spiders have six eyes arranged in pairs.

Knowing these differences can help you identify which spider you’re dealing with and how to respond if you find one in your home. Learn more about the differences between brown recluse spiders and wolf spiders here.

Are Hobo Spider Bites Dangerous?

Hobo spider bites can cause some pain, redness, and swelling, but they are not usually dangerous. Most of the time, the symptoms go away on their own. Unlike some other spider bites, hobo spider bites rarely cause severe reactions.

Fun Fact: Hobo spiders are sometimes called “aggressive house spiders,” but they only bite when they feel threatened.

In most cases, a hobo spider bite will result in mild discomfort, similar to a bee sting. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms or if the bite doesn’t heal properly, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor.

How Dangerous Are Brown Recluse Spider Bites?

Brown recluse spider bites are more serious and can cause a wound that takes a long time to heal. The bite might start as a small red bump but can turn into a bigger sore.

• Important: If you think you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Brown recluse bites are known for their potential to cause necrosis, a condition where the skin and tissue around the bite die. This can lead to a large, open sore that may require medical treatment.

Symptoms of a Brown Recluse Bite:

• Redness and swelling at the bite site.
• A blister that forms and then turns into an ulcer.
• Fever and chills in some cases.
• Nausea or joint pain if the bite is severe.

If you suspect a brown recluse bite, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.

What Should You Do if You’re Bitten by a Spider?

If you’re bitten by a hobo spider or a brown recluse, follow these steps:

1. Wash the bite: Use soap and water to clean the area. This helps prevent infection.
2. Apply ice: Put an ice pack on the bite to reduce swelling. Keep it on for 10 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes, and repeat as needed.
3. Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling.
4. See a doctor: If the bite gets worse, doesn’t improve, or you experience severe symptoms, go to a doctor right away.

Pro Tip: It’s better to be safe than sorry. Always get a bite checked if you’re not sure what kind of spider bit you.

Even if the bite doesn’t seem serious at first, monitoring it closely is essential. If you notice any signs of infection or if the wound starts to worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

How Can You Prevent Spiders in Your Home?

To keep spiders out of your home, follow these tips:

• Keep your home clean: Spiders like clutter, so a tidy home is less attractive to them. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and organizing can reduce hiding spots.
• Seal cracks and gaps: Make sure there are no cracks in your walls or windows where spiders can get in. This includes sealing around doors, windows, and any other openings.
• Use spider repellents: You can buy sprays that keep spiders away, or try natural options like peppermint oil.

Fun Fact: Spiders don’t like the smell of peppermint, so it can be a great natural repellent!

You can also reduce the chance of spiders entering your home by removing any outdoor debris, such as piles of leaves, wood, or rocks, which can serve as spider habitats.

Additional Tips for Spider Prevention:

• Install screens: Ensure that all windows and doors have screens to keep spiders and other pests out.
• Use yellow outdoor lighting: Spiders are attracted to insects, and insects are drawn to light. Yellow bulbs attract fewer insects, which means fewer spiders.
• Store clothes and shoes properly: Use airtight containers for storage, and always shake out shoes and clothing before wearing them.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between hobo spiders and brown recluse spiders can help keep you and your home safe. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional pest control service.

FAQs

Do hobo spiders bite humans?

Yes, but only if they feel threatened or cornered. Hobo spiders are not naturally aggressive toward humans.

Can brown recluse spiders kill you?

It’s very rare, but their bites can cause serious wounds that need medical attention. Deaths from brown recluse bites are extremely uncommon and usually involve cases where medical treatment was not sought in time.

How do I get rid of spiders in my house?

Keep your home clean, seal up entry points, and use spider repellents to keep them away. Regularly checking and cleaning areas where spiders might live, like basements and attics, is also crucial.

Are hobo spiders and brown recluse spiders the same?

No, they are different species with distinct appearances, they are different species with distinct appearances and behaviors. The hobo spider is typically found in the northwestern U.S., while the brown recluse is found in the southern and midwestern regions.