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(Photo courtesy of Dr. Lee Ostrom)
SUMMIT COUNTY -- An increasing number of hobo spiders are showing up in and around houses in Summit County.
September is the peak of mating season, so male hobo spiders are on the prowl.
Hobo spider bites are toxic and can require medical attention. Sterling Banks, Summit County's Utah State University extension agent, told the Park Record, "It can basically kill the skin in the area where the bite occurs."
The bite is painful but not as poisonous as a black widow spider's bite.
Hobos are long-legged, swift-running, funnel-web spiders.
They are showing up in basements and behind couches. Experts suggest keeping yard debris away from your house, and keeping closets and spaces behind furniture clean.