Jumping Spiders

What do jumping spiders look like?

Jumping spiders range from ⅛ to ¾ of an inch in length. They have a stocky build with a round or egg-shaped abdomen, eight short legs, and a furry appearance. They vary in color depending on the species. Colors include black, brown, white, gray, and metallic shades. While too small to notice without magnification, these spiders have eight eyes and two large, front-facing eyes, which you might see if you have good vision.

What do jumping spiders eat?

These little spiders are active predators. They hunt a wide range of tiny insects. Their favorite meals include ants, flies, mosquitoes, and moths. They also prey upon other small spiders. Their active role in reducing insect populations makes them beneficial—just as long as they stay outdoors where they belong.

Are jumping spiders venomous?

All spiders have venom, but to be classified as venomous, the venom must be potent enough to require medical treatment. Jumping spiders do not have potent venom. Most bites from jumping spiders result in mild, irritating, and itchy wounds. In rare cases, sensitive individuals may have allergy symptoms, such as hives, breathing difficulty, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, etc. Contact an allergist if you want to know whether or not you have a spider venom allergy.

Are jumping spiders dangerous to humans or pets?

No. Jumping spiders are not dangerous to humans, dogs, cats, and other pets. These spiders avoid pets and only bite when threatened. If bitten, pets will experience symptoms similar to those of humans. Also, remember that jumping spiders don’t transmit diseases the way ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests can, even though these spiders consume these pests.

Where do jumping spiders commonly live indoors?

Jumping spiders like sunny, bright, and warm locations. You’re likely to find them out in the open where you can see them. Unlike most other spiders, jumping spiders are active during the day. Other common places to find these arachnids include:

• In the gaps between windows and screens
• In the gaps between doors and screens
• On windowsills
• On sunlit walls
• Along the floor near glass doors
• Near webbing spun in corners
• In undisturbed storage rooms, closets, or boiler rooms
• In plant pots

These spiders don’t create webs to catch prey. They are hunters. They develop webs for retreat. Therefore, you’re likely to find webs without spiders in them.

How do jumping spiders get into homes?

A jumping spider will enter your home through tiny holes, gaps, cracks, and damaged building materials. Here are a few of the most common entry points:

• Damaged window screens and gaps in window frames
• Gaps under and around exterior doors
• Open doors and windows
• Gaps around AC lines and other utilities
• Unprotected dryer vents
• Cracks or cavities in stucco siding

Spider prevention begins with weatherproofing and home and screen repair.

What attracts jumping spiders?

Jumping spiders will go where there is food, moisture, and shelter.

Food

Jumping spiders eat insects and other bugs. A yard or home with lots of pests will attract the attention of spiders. Here are a few ways you can reduce pest populations:

• Reduce exterior lighting.
• Keep grass cut low.
• Deal with lawn and landscape weeds quickly.
• Deal with honey-producing aphids quickly.
• Keep trash receptacles covered.
• Keep indoor spaces clean.
• Cover food on counters.
• Store foods in airtight containers.
• Address moisture problems.

Moisture

Spiders and the bugs they eat are attracted to damp habitats. Moisture provides hydration.

• Repair damaged sprinklers.
• Fix irrigation issues.
• Turn kiddie pools over when not in use.
• Install dehumidifiers in key indoor spaces.
• Use vents in the bathroom.
• Install vents if missing.

Shelter

Jumping spiders like holes and clutter. They hide in holes and explore clutter for food to eat.

• Fill in ground holes.
• Store organic debris in covered bins.
• Remove stored items.
• Trim landscape vegetation.
• Address overgrowth.
• Remove ivy close to the house.

Keep in mind that jumping spiders may enter a yard for no reason at all. They are active hunters. But the above conditions may cause them to stay.  

How do I get rid of jumping spiders?

The best way to eliminate and prevent spiders is to sign up for year-round home pest control services. Available in Tempe and throughout the Phoenix area, Termio offers effective pest control solutions that stop jumping spiders and other pests from taking over. Contact us today to learn more!

Can I prevent jumping spiders from coming into my house?

There are many ways to deter jumping spiders. You may begin by addressing the attractants, as we pointed out above. Once you’ve given these spiders fewer reasons to live in your yard, turn your attention to keeping them out.

• Replace weatherstripping.
• Install door sweeps.
• Repair damaged screens on doors and windows.
• Replace damaged door or window frames.
• Seal gaps or cavities in door and window frames.
• Cover vents with screen material.
• Use expanding foam to seal gaps around AC lines and other utilities.