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Aggressive House Spiders

Native to Europe, the aggressive house spider, or western hobo spider, was introduced to the United States through the arrival of immigrants and trade. Today, the western hobo spider is one of the most common spider species in North America. Located primarily in the Pacific Northwest, its presence has spread into southern states, as well. The presence of hobo spiders in the Southwest has not been confirmed.

Many species of house spiders exist, although the aggressive house spider is of particular interest due to the danger of its bite. Like other house spider species, aggressive house spiders are likely to thrive within human dwellings.

Aggressive house spiders enter homes through gaps in foundations as well as through doors and windows. While common and domestic house spiders sometimes build webs in elevated areas such as ceilings, aggressive house spiders prefer to spin their webs near ground level. These webs serve as both traps for prey and shelter for the spiders. They are similar in structure to those of common and domestic house spider species: seemingly flat, horizontal layers of silk threads narrow to form a funnel-like abode at one end. When potential prey makes contact with the aggressive house spider's web, the silk strands vibrate. Aggressive house spiders then emerge from the narrow end of their webs to consume the prey.

Most house spider species do not produce harmful venom. However, the bite of the aggressive house spider has been known to cause skin infections and allergic reactions. Skin necrosis may occur in severe cases and redness and blisters are common at the bite site. Allergic reactions may include headaches and soreness of muscles and joints. Seek medical attention if severe reactions occur.  

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