Can Hobo Spiders Bite?

Do Hobo Spiders Bite?

Hobo spiders (Eratigena agrestis) are generally shy and non-aggressive toward humans and pets, so bites from these spiders are relatively uncommon. However, bites are more likely to occur in situations where the spider feels threatened or trapped. Some scenarios include:

Accidental contact: When a person puts on shoes, clothing, or gloves that a spider is hiding in. If a person rolls over onto a spider while sleeping or sits on it accidentally.
Handling: If someone attempts to catch, squish, or otherwise handle a hobo spider, it may bite defensively.
Disturbed habitat: Hobo spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, crawl spaces, woodpiles, or cluttered storage. Disturbing these areas can provoke a bite.
Pet encounters: Pets may disturb a spider while exploring basements, garages, or sheds. A spider could bite if it’s cornered or trapped against a pet’s paw or skin.

Despite the fear around them, hobo spider bites are considered rare, and they usually only cause mild symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. Serious medical reactions are extremely uncommon.

Are Hobo Spiders Poisonous?

No, hobo spiders are not poisonous.

Are Hobo Spiders Venomous?

Hobo spiders do produce venom, but its effects on humans are generally mild and not considered medically significant. Earlier reports suggested that hobo spider bites might cause necrotic lesions, but subsequent research has largely discredited that idea. Most bites result in minor symptoms such as:

Redness at the bite site
Mild swelling
Itching or a stinging sensation
Occasionally a small blister

Serious reactions are extremely rare. Hobo spider venom is primarily effective for subduing their insect prey and does not pose a significant risk to people or pets under normal circumstances.

Hobo Spider Venom

Hobo spider venom is primarily designed to immobilize and digest insect prey, not to harm humans. Its composition is a mixture of enzymes and proteins that affect the nervous system and tissues of small arthropods. Key characteristics include:

Neurotoxic components: Affect the nervous system of insects, helping the spider quickly subdue its prey. In humans, these components are very weak, rarely causing more than mild localized pain or tingling.
Proteolytic enzymes: Help break down tissue in prey, aiding in digestion. In humans, they may contribute to minor redness, irritation, or mild swelling at the bite site.
Limited systemic effect: Unlike some medically significant spiders (e.g., widow spiders), hobo spider venom does not typically cause systemic symptoms such as fever, nausea, or muscle cramps.
Potential for allergic reaction: As with any venom, a small number of individuals may experience heightened sensitivity, leading to more pronounced local irritation.

Hobo spider venom is low-risk to humans and pets. Most bites heal on their own within a few days without medical intervention, though cleaning the bite and monitoring for infection is recommended.

Hobo Spider Bites

Hobo spider bites are generally considered low-risk to humans and pets. The main concerns are usually localized rather than systemic, and serious complications are rare:

Local reactions: Redness, swelling, or a mild rash at the bite site, itching or a stinging/burning sensation, and/or occasional blistering in sensitive individuals
Secondary infection: Scratching the bite can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to infection. Signs include increased redness, warmth, pus, or spreading swelling
Allergic reactions: Rare, but some people may experience mild allergic responses such as more pronounced swelling or itching. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely uncommon
Misdiagnosis risk: Hobo spider bites are often mistaken for bites from other insects or spiders, as well as skin infections or lesions. Many “necrotic” lesions attributed to hobo spiders have actually been caused by bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA)
Systemic symptoms: Rare and usually very mild: minor headache, nausea, or temporary fatigue. Serious systemic effects are extremely unusual

The primary risk from hobo spider bites is local irritation and potential secondary infection, rather than venom toxicity. Most bites heal on their own within a few days without medical intervention.

What Do Hobo Spider Bites Look Like?

Hobo spider bites are generally mild and often hard to distinguish from other insect or spider bites. They usually present with localized symptoms rather than dramatic lesions. Typical characteristics include:

Immediate appearance: A small red spot or bump at the bite site. Possible mild swelling or a slightly raised area. A stinging or burning sensation at the time of the bite.
Short-term changes (hours to a day): Redness may spread slightly around the bite. Mild itching or tenderness can develop. Occasionally, a small blister may form.
Longer-term changes (a few days): The area may become slightly tender or crust over as it heals. Rarely, minor necrosis (small tissue breakdown) may occur, but this is extremely uncommon and often misattributed; most so-called necrotic “hobo spider bites” are actually bacterial infections like MRSA
Overall appearance: Generally small, subtle, and not dramatically discolored. No significant systemic signs (fever, chills, or severe swelling) in the vast majority of cases

Most hobo spider bites look like ordinary insect bites. Severe or spreading lesions are likely caused by infection or another cause, not the venom itself.

What To Do About Hobo Spider Bites

If you get bitten by a hobo spider, the risk of serious complications is low, but it’s important to manage the bite properly to prevent irritation or infection. Here’s what to do:

Clean the bite immediately: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply a cold compress: Use an ice pack or clean cloth with cold water for 10–15 minutes at a time. Helps reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort.
Reduce inflammation and discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Topical antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream may reduce itching or irritation.
Monitor the bite: Look for changes in size, color, or swelling over the next 24–48 hours. Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or spreading swelling
Avoid scratching: Scratching increases the risk of secondary infection and slows healing
Seek medical attention if necessary: If you develop severe pain, significant swelling, or spreading redness. If you notice signs of systemic reaction: fever, chills, nausea, or dizziness. If the wound appears to be infected or fails to improve within a few days.

Most hobo spider bites heal on their own with basic wound care. Serious complications are rare, and systemic effects from the venom are extremely uncommon.