There are around 300 jumping spider species in the US and over 4,000 worldwide. As their name suggests, these spiders are known for their ability to jump in order to catch their prey.
Appearance
Jumping spiders are often confused with black widows because they have similar coloration and body structure. However, jumping spiders can also be gray, tan or brown with green, blue, red, yellow, gray and white markings, depending on the species. In terms of size, jumping spiders can be anywhere from 1/8 to 3/4 of an inch, and their bodies are usually covered with scales or dense hairs with bright coloration or iridescence. The front legs are thicker and a bit longer than their hind legs as well. The most common jumping spider species in the US is the zebra spider, which has a gray body with white markings and white/brown legs and gray rings. Jumping spiders may have the best vision out of any spider species, being able to detect and react quickly to movement that is happening up to 18 inches away from them. However, they cannot see very well during the night.
Are jumping spiders dangerous?
Jumping spider bites are rare, but they can cause swelling, pain, redness and itching. The issue is that in the moment or shortly after, it’s hard to tell if you’ve been bitten by a jumping spider or by a black widow. If you are sure that it is a jumping spider however, you can treat the bite with a cold compress, acetaminophen and/or antihistamines. If the symptoms get worse over the next few hours, it is best to seek medical attention, and bring the spider’s body to the doctor for examination.
Jumping spider infestations
Usually, you will know that you have a jumping spider infestation when you see the spider itself. It is likely to be located near windows and doors. If you are not sure whether you are dealing with a jumping spider or a black widow, it’s best to call a pest control specialist who can identify the species and remove the infestation completely. Contact us today if you have any issues with spiders or if you would like to set up an inspection appointment to make sure that there are no dangerous spider species in the home. We are here to help.