Jumping Spider Identification & Prevention

Jumping spiders have stocky bodies that are black, gray, or brown. They also have pale or white-colored markings on their bodies and legs. Their 8 short, powerful legs give them the jumping abilities they were named after. Jumping spiders can jump more than 25 times their own body length. Along with their great bounding capabilities, jumping spiders are known for their excellent daytime vision.

While jumping spiders may bite when trapped or threatened, bites from jumping spiders rarely occur. Rather than biting a threat, jumping spiders are more likely to “jump” away from the source of danger. They are not considered dangerous because their venom is not strong enough to cause most people health problems.

Jumping spiders live outside in a variety of places, including yards, fields, parks, and grasslands. They prefer to live in open sunny areas with plenty of vegetation to hide and hunt within. Preferring to live outside, jumping spiders usually only find their way inside homes on plants or other objects that were once outside. They may also jump onto the clothing of people and hitchhike their way inside.

Jumping spiders live outside in tall grasses, dense landscaping plants, and on trees behind areas of loose bark. These spiders build webs to hide, rest, and place their eggs in, but not to catch prey with these webs. Jumping spiders are active during the day, hunting insects and other spiders.

Those jumping spiders that have found their way inside of homes hide under furniture, in the cracks of floors, behind window and door trim, and between books or boxes.

Getting help from a professional home pest control expert is really the best way to eliminate all kinds of pests, including jumping spiders. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to putting customers first and exceeding expectations. As a local, family-owned business, we work hard to provide safe, affordable, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. Call today to find out more about our services.

By following these prevention tips, you may be able to avoid issues with jumping spiders as well as other nuisance pests.

• Cut shrubs and bushes back away from the exterior of your home.
• Leave a barrier between any grass and the foundation of your home.
• Get rid of leaf piles, grass piles, and excess piles of wood from your yard.
• Seal cracks in the foundation of your home to keep wandering, jumping spiders out of your home.
• Inspect packages and potted plants for jumping spiders before bringing them inside.
• Dust and vacuum underneath furniture regularly.
• Keep clutter to a minimum in storage areas of your home.