Danger Level: 4/5

Hobo Spider

Eratigena agrestis

Updated May 2026 · Boise, ID

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Quick Facts

Size10-14mm body length

ColorBrown with chevron pattern

Lifespan1-2 years

Active SeasonsSummer, Fall

Common LocationsBasements, Ground level, Garages

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Identification

How to Identify Hobo Spider

Quick Answer

Hobo spiders are medium-sized brown spiders, about 10-14mm in the body. The giveaway is a chevron (V-shaped) pattern on the abdomen pointing toward the head, paired with solid brown legs (no rings or bands). They build funnel-shaped webs with a small retreat at one end. People often mistake them for giant house spiders or wolf spiders, but the leg coloring is the easiest tell.

Hobo Spider - showing key features for identification

Behavior

Hobo Spider Behavior & Habits

Understanding how hobo spider behave helps prevent infestations

Signs You Have Hobo Spider

What homeowners spot first

Funnel-shaped webs in corners and crevices
Webs in window wells and basement corners
Spider sightings at ground level
Increased sightings in August-October (mating season)
Brown spiders running rather than climbing

Hobo spiders are poor climbers and primarily found at ground level. They're most active in late summer and fall when males wander in search of mates. They're not aggressive but will bite if trapped against skin. They build funnel webs in dark, moist areas like basements, window wells, and under debris.

Dangers

Hobo Spider Risks & Dangers

What hobo spider can do to your health and property

Health Risks

Hobo spider bites have a complicated reputation. Once considered highly dangerous, current research suggests they're far less medically significant than previously thought. Bites can still cause localized pain, redness, and slow-healing wounds in some people, so seek medical attention if you suspect one and the area worsens.

Property Damage

Hobo spiders don't cause property damage but their funnel webs in basements and garages are unsightly.

Warning Signs

Signs of Hobo Spider Infestation

Look for these indicators in your home

Funnel-shaped webs in corners and crevices

Webs in window wells and basement corners

Spider sightings at ground level

Increased sightings in August-October (mating season)

Brown spiders running rather than climbing

Hobo Spider in Boise & the Treasure Valley

Hobo spiders are everywhere in the Treasure Valley, and we get the heaviest call volume from late July through October when males leave the funnel webs to hunt for mates. Older Boise neighborhoods with stone or block foundations like the North End, Hyde Park, East End, and Vista see the most basement and window-well sightings, but we also pull plenty out of garages in Meridian and Eagle. Crawl spaces, irrigation boxes, and the dark corners behind garage clutter are their favorite spots once Idaho's overnight temperatures start dropping in September.

Our Solution

How We Eliminate Hobo Spider

Professional treatment for complete elimination

Hobo spiders live and travel at ground level, so that's where we hit them. Our $49 initial visit covers a residual barrier along baseboards, basements, window wells, and the foundation perimeter, plus we knock down any funnel webs we find. We also cut off the bugs they eat through general pest control, which is what keeps them from coming back. If they show up between scheduled visits, we re-service free.

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Prevention

How to Prevent Hobo Spider

Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation

Seal cracks and gaps in foundation

Install door sweeps on exterior doors

Clear window wells of debris

Reduce clutter in basements

Use sticky traps along baseboards

Regular pest control to reduce prey insects

FAQ

Hobo Spider Questions Answered

Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment

Are hobo spiders dangerous?

Hobo spider danger has been debated. Current research suggests they're less dangerous than once believed, but bites can still cause localized pain and irritation. Seek medical attention for any suspected spider bite.

How do I tell a hobo spider from other brown spiders?

Hobo spiders have solid brown legs (no rings), a chevron pattern on their abdomen, and build funnel webs. They're poor climbers, so you'll find them at ground level rather than on walls or ceilings.

Why do I see more spiders in fall?

Mating season. Male hobo spiders wander hard from August through October hunting for females, which is why indoor sightings spike across the Treasure Valley in those months. Cooler overnight temperatures push them inside through any gap they can find, and our call volume reliably climbs through September and October.