Southeast Idahoans Set Traps For Hobo Spiders

Hobo spider traps are selling briskly in area stores as the arachnid’s mating season moves into full swing.

The flat, sticky cardboard traps catch large brown hobo spiders as they come inside to mate from July through October.

The spider has a venomous bite that causes swelling and blisters, and can take months to heal.

Hobo spiders are more prevalent in southeastern Idaho than anywhere else on Earth, toxicologist Darwin Vest said. They also are called aggressive house spiders.

The hobo, which builds a funnel-shaped web, is found in woodpiles, crawl spaces, barns, haystacks and among materials that have not been moved in a long time. Vest advised putting traps in corners or under furniture. Homeowners should take care when they dispose of the trap because the spiders may still be alive.