Jumping spiders

categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests

revision date: 2025-12-22 03:49

Biology

Jumping spiders are compact, active, and usually colorful spiders that are found on window sills, ceilings, and on outside walls and foundations of homes. These spiders have large eyes, and use their good eyesight to catch prey. Jumping spiders do not use webs to catch prey but instead slowly advance towards the prey and then pounce on it and grab it in their jaws.

Jumping spider bite symptoms are similar to yellowjackets but less pronounced. Typically, it is only the larger species that are of a concern for biting humans. If you are bitten by a spider, bring the spider to an expert for correct identification and you may want to seek medical attention.

Spiders are generally considered beneficial because they are predators. However, they can be a nuisance pest indoors.

• For more information, see the following publication: Common Spiders of Washington EM113E.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Many spiders are brought in with firewood, so collect wood with gloves and inspect wood thoroughly for their presence and carefully remove them.
• Use mechanical devices such as fly swatters, shop vacs, brooms, etc. to eliminate spiders.
• Commercial spider traps are effective at trapping wandering spiders such as jumping spiders.
• Keep spiders out by bug-proofing your home.
• Decrease space in door threshold.
• Secure window screens.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Pesticides are a temporary fix unless efforts are made to prevent their entry into the house.
• Spraying spiders of this sort outdoors is not usually advised and extremely temporary in nature unless performed by a pest control company on a regular basis.