Rather than biting a potential threat, jumping spiders are best known for jumping away from danger. Still, people wonder, “are jumping spiders poisonous?” While they are venomous, their poison isn’t considered dangerous because it isn’t strong enough to harm humans. But poisonous or not, no one wants to deal with spiders inside their home. So, let’s talk about what brings jumping spiders into your home and the most effective way to get rid of them when that happens.
What does a jumping spider look like?
Some people consider the jumping spider to be the cutest of all arachnids due to their compact bodies and placement of eyes. Typically black, brown, tan, or gray, they usually also have white markings on their bodies and legs. Their eight powerful legs are short but can really pack a punch. This allows them to leap several times their body length. Jumping spiders are also known for their excellent daytime vision. However, their night vision is very poor.
Do jumping spiders bite?
Jumping spiders only bite as a last resort. They prefer to avoid a confrontation and jump away. But, if the threat gets serious enough, they can and will bite. Even though their venom isn’t dangerous to humans, bites can still cause itching or slight localized pain and swelling.
Are jumping spiders friendly?
One could consider jumping spiders friendly as they aren’t aggressive with humans and shy away from direct contact with people altogether. They tend to be curious creatures and observe things around them which gives them a social heir. Their excellent daylight vision makes them capable of responding to you when you’re taking a closer look.
Regal jumping spider
The Phidippus Regius or Regal spider is one of the most popular exotic pet spiders. It’s adorable, has a great temperament, and is very low maintenance to take care of. This makes it ideal for first-time spider owners. Do your homework on the Regal before making one your pet. Be certain you have the proper setup to give it the care it needs. The Regal, or giant jumping spider, belongs to the Salticidae family and was first discovered in the West Indies. Its natural habitat is that of a tropical nature so it prefers high temperatures and humidity.
What do jumping spiders eat?
Jumping spiders are avid carnivorous hunters and readily feed on just about any insect you can think of. Their diet consists of flies, crickets, mealworms, waxworms, moths, roaches, or anything that moves. They can be an effective garden pest control agent, eating insects that can potentially destroy vegetation.
Do jumping spiders make webs?
Jumping spiders are unique in that they don’t spin webs for catching prey. They do, however, spin silk to assist them in climbing, protecting their egg sacs, and marking their nests. A trail of silk might also be used to help the spider control its fall when jumping. They may build webs as places to hide or rest but not with the intent to catch prey.
Where will I find jumping spiders?
These spiders tend to stay outside and are most often found in dense landscaping bushes, tall grasses, and in trees behind loose bark. They prefer to stay outside where the food supply is most abundant. However, if you start seeing them inside your home, they are most likely in search of insects. Once inside, jumping spiders take shelter in floor cracks, under furniture, behind door and window trim, and in boxes or books.
How to prevent jumping spiders?
When it comes to preventing jumping spiders, it’s important to eliminate the main ways they enter your dwelling. There are some very basic tips to follow that will help you not only prevent jumping spiders from entering your home but other creepy crawlers as well.
- Dust and vacuum under and around furniture regularly
- Remove piles of clutter and debris such as magazines and boxes from your garage, attic, and basement.
- Get rid of grass, leaf, or woodpiles in your yard
- Cut back shrubs and hanging tree branches from the exterior of your home
- Seal all cracks in your home’s foundation
- Inspect all potted plants or boxes for spiders before bringing them indoors
- Make sure all your windows have effective screens
- Replace damaged or worn weatherstripping around all doors
Signs of a jumping spider infestation
The most common sign of a jumping spider infestation is seeing the spiders themselves. Spiders will most commonly be spotted around windows and doors because insects are attracted to those areas and use them to come and go. Because jumping spiders are active and hunt during the day, you’ll have the best chance of spotting them during waking hours. They retreat to their closely woven nests or other dark areas at night.
How to get rid of jumping spiders
It’s very unlikely that jumping spiders will infest your home. They much prefer outdoor environments with sunlight, a variety of vegetation, and an abundance of food options. But if they start to become a problem and you’re seeing them more than you would like, your best option is to contact your local pest control professionals. They’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your home, outbuildings, and property to identify the spider species and eliminate them.
Conclusion on Jumping Spiders
If you have questions about jumping spiders or are concerned you may have an insect infestation, give Vinx Pest Control a call. We are your go-to source for effective pest control in Dallas, Sulphur Springs, Greenville, and Charleston. We don’t believe in doing things halfway, so we use only the best pest control products and most skilled technicians. We want to make sure your pest control problems are gone for good. If you’re still seeing pests after 30 days, we’ll completely refund the cost of your most recent treatment. Contact us today for a free quote!