Questions about venemous spiders from the northwestern U.S (Specifically Hobo)?

Question

I just recently moved to washington state from california and I have heard a lot of negative talk about the spiders up here. I am very scared of spiders and would like some info on how to avoid all the venemous spiders up here. Also If possible, info on were they like to hide and mate and how harmful are the bites.

Answer 1

I just moved from Washington to California, and have had experience with Hobo's and Black Widows.

Hobo's are usually noticed in the fall or winter outside, and in the summer inside. They like to live in wood piles, under dry trash, or stacked tires on an undisturbed side of a house, for instance. The first bite from a Hobo is not life-threatening. Each additional time a person is bit, the bite's symptoms become more and more severe. I've been bitten once, and experienced slight pain, and an oozy sore that hit it's peak on the third day, then cleared up fine. The hobos that I came into contact with lived in the dry corner of my greenhouse, under my potting bench where lots of dry moss was present. I recommend wearing gloves when working in areas that may be  Hobo homes, and remember that they are scared of you and only bite if they feel threatened. 50% of hobo bites are non-venomous, according to my doctor who was not at all concerned  by my bite, and suggested I let it run it's course.

After living in Eastern Washington for over 10 years, there was only a 2 year period where I experienced them...in Spokane.

Here is some information on identifying Hobo's and their bite. (This picture is a severe case) http://hobospider.com/info/index.html

Black Widows are much less prevalent, although still reside in    Washington. Their bites usually require medical care. It is a good idea to be able to recognize the Black Widow in all stages of development, as well as both sexes, since the male does not have the hourglass figure on his abdomen. The male will still have the dark black glossy abdomen, and is also slightly smaller in size than the females. To my husband's horror, I have held many Black Widow's in the palm of my still hand to show him they only bite when threatened....but hey...I don't mind spiders. I'm waaaaay bigger than they are, and if worse comes to worse, I may have to see a doctor for care...but they won't kill me. (: