Jumping Spider Identification

What you need to know about jumping spiders

Many different kinds of spiders call Florida home, including the jumping spider. Learning about jumping spiders, including their behaviors and habitats, is the best way to keep them away. Read all about jumping spiders in Florida in this helpful pest guide. 

What are jumping spiders?

As their name suggests, jumping spiders are a type of spider that excel at jumping. These spiders have eight powerful legs that propel them more than 25 times their body length. Jumping spiders have a black, gray, or brown body that is stocky and covered in hair. While jumping spiders are pretty small, they are one of the most startling spiders to discover. Their large eyes and quick movements cause them to surprise almost any homeowner that they come across!

Are jumping spiders dangerous?

The answer to the question of are jumping spiders harmless is yes. Unless you are one of their insect prey, being harmed by a jumping spider isn't likely. Dangerous spiders are those that possess venom potent enough to cause harm to people. Jumping spiders only have venom strong enough to harm their insect prey.

Furthermore, jumping spider bites are rare; these spiders are much more likely to jump away from a threat than stay and deliver a bite. Bites usually occur if they are in immediate danger and will be squished or squashed. 

Why do I have a jumping spider problem?

Our Florida outdoor spaces, with their dense vegetation and hot, humid climate, provide the perfect place for many insects to thrive. Jumping spiders feed on insects, so Florida is where spiders live in large populations.

Unlike many spiders that build webs to capture their prey, jumping spiders prefer to ambush their prey. Our yard's grass spaces, gardens, trees, and landscaping provide jumping spiders with hiding spots and easy access to their insect prey.

Where will I find jumping spiders?

It is very common to see jumping spiders during the day searching for their insect prey when they are most active.

These spiders prefer to live outside and don't typically enter our homes. If you see a jumping spider in your house, you likely brought them inside on something like a plant, box, or something else that has been outside.

Though jumping spiders don't build webs to capture their prey, they will spin webs to rest and to use as a place to put their eggs. Inside, jumping spiders hang out and build webs on houseplants, under furniture, around windows and doors, and inside boxes or clutter.

How do I get rid of jumping spiders?

Jumping spiders while helping out in nature can take over our outdoor spaces. If you are having problems with jumping spiders, Empire Pest Defense is here to help! We will provide you with the personalized services necessary to take care of problems with jumping spiders and other common household pests. Our ongoing services will keep pests from returning and making themselves home on your Florida property.

Contact us today for information about getting rid of spiders through our West Palm Beach residential pest control or commercial pest control services! We work with our customers to deliver top-notch services and are proud to help residents maintain properties not being overrun by pests!

How can I prevent jumping spiders in the future?

Use these practical spider prevention tips to help avoid attracting jumping spiders to your Florida yard:

• Maintain your yard, cut the grass short, and keep landscaping well pruned.
• Remove leaf piles, grass piles, and wood piles from your yard.
• Reduce clutter around your home's exterior.
• Place gardens away from your home.
• Get rid of standing water from your property.
• Check potted plants and other items for jumping spiders before bringing them inside.
• Don't place flower pots right next to windows or doors.
• Replace torn screens and avoid propping windows and doors open to prevent these spiders from accidentally wandering into your home.

Please reach out today for more information about our residential and commercial pest control services in West Palm Beach!