The hobo spider, also known as the "aggressive house spider", was accidentally introduced to the United States in the 1980's and can now be found in parts of Canada and the Pacific Northwest.The bite of a hobo spider can cause serious health issues, as well as a small injury around the bite area.Hobo spiders are sometimes confused with the brown recluse spider, but you can check the coloring and size of the spider as well as the web and spider's bite to identify thespider correctly.
Step 1: There are yellow and brown markings on the spider's abdomen.
There are brown legs attached to a brown front body of a obo spider.If you look at the spider up close, there are darker brown markings on its front body.You should be able to see the yellow markings on the lower body with a microscope or a magnifying glass.
Step 2: Determine the size of the spider.
Hobo spiders are smaller than other spiders.Both males and females of the hobo spiders can be 7-13.55mm (9/32 in) long.To see if the spider is smaller, compare it to a brown recluse spider.Hobo spiders have shorter legs than other spiders, with a leg span of less than two to three inches.
Step 3: To examine the spider's palpi, use a magnifying glass or a microscope.
The more distinguishing features of a hobo spider can be seen with a magnifying glass.It is possible to determine if you are dealing with a hobo spider by looking at the spider's body.Male hobo spiders will have two large palpi, one on each side of their head by their mouth, that may look like boxing gloves under a microscope.The palpi are the male genitalia.The female hobo spiders will not appear swollen.plumose setae are hairs on the spider's body.To see these hairs, you will need a strong hand lens on a microscope.They will be hard to see with the naked eye.
Step 4: The spider is not another type.
Hobo spiders are often confused with brown recluse spiders.You can use physical markers to confirm that the spider is a hobo and not another type of spider.The flat shield like section on the top of the spider, surrounded by its legs, is known as the sternum.It is not a hobo spider if there are three or four light spots on the sternum.There are two stripes on the front part of its body.The spider is likely not a hobo spider if there are two long stripes.There are different patterns on the front of the spiders' bodies.Look for legs that are shiny, hairless, and dark-orange.The spider is not a hobo spider.Hobo spiders do not have dark bands on their legs, unlike brown recluse spiders.Brown recluse spiders do not have any markings on their abdomens.
Step 5: The web is at the ground level.
Hobo spiders build their webs in the basement because they are not vertical climbers.You may be looking at a hobo spider web if the web is located in a ground level or below ground spot.
Step 6: The web may be shaped like a funnel.
The funnel-web spider family includes the hobo spider.They use their long legs and running abilities to create webs.These funnel shaped webs can be attached between two objects at ground level.Hobo spiders can create webs under the siding of homes, in the basement and between plants.Brown recluse spiders don't build webs.If you notice a funnel shaped web in the spider, you can rule it out as a brown recluse.
Step 7: The web can be sticky to the touch.
Hobo spiders don't create sticky webs.The hobo spider will attack the prey before it can escape.Hobo spiders are more aggressive to humans than other spiders because of their poor eyesight.Hobo spiders are aggressive because they could die of starvation if they don't attack.
Step 8: Look for wounds around the bite.
Most hobo spider bites are painless.A small bite can look like a mosquito bite.Within 24 hours, the bite will turn into a blisters.The open, oozing wound will break open within 24 to 36 hours.Your body is reacting to the spider venom.
Step 9: If you have a severe headaches, nausea, or fatigue, you should note it.
Severe headaches, nausea, and fatigue are the most common symptoms of a hobo spider bite.The bite can cause temporary memory loss and vision impairment.The bites will likely cause these symptoms within 24 to 36 hours.Severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms can occur if the hobo spider bite is not treated.
Step 10: If you are bitten by a hobo spider, seek medical care.
If you have been bitten by a hobo spider, you should clean the wound thoroughly with antiseptic.If you show the bite to a doctor, you can get antibiotics or a tetanus shot.A permanent scar will be left on your body after a hobo spider bite.The bite may be deep and not heal for two to three years if it develops on the inside of your arms or legs.