Last updated on June 21st, 2023 at 07:11 am
Are jumping spiders aggressive? Not at all! In fact, some of these spiders even seem to be inquisitive, and curious of humans – an unusual trait for arachnids…
As we talk or even think about spiders, we get scared or grossed out. Well, the spiders we are talking about are quite the opposite of scary. Jumping spiders are one of the largest family of spiders. As scary as their name sounds, as a point of fact they are non-aggressive spiders.
It will be safe to say that jumping spider bites are not dangerous at all. In fact, these creatures are known for being the ‘cute’ species of spiders.
They have tiny fangs which are not strong enough to have any deep effect after stinging. It’s for a fact that Jumping spider stings are less dire than that of a bee sting.
Jumping spiders further constitute multiple other species of spiders known as the ‘Family Salticidae’. These spiders are not rare to sight.
Bold jumping spider, scientifically known as Phidippus Audax are commonly found in the United States. They have powerful hind legs that help them take long jumps. What makes it easy to identify these spiders are their white spots.
You can also get more information about jumping spiders and all the basic details about them.
Are Jumping Spiders Poisonous to Dogs?
Jumping Spider bites do not have an effect on any big animal or humans. Their bites sure are a bit venomous but are surely not poisonous. Their venom is quite feeble and hence, ineffective for humans, and animals.
Jumping Spiders attack if provoked, as an act of defending themselves from bigger organisms.
Black widow spiders and Brown Recluse are treacherous for humans as well as for pets. So, it is necessary to beware of them.
Are Jumping Spiders Poisonous to Cats?
As mentioned before, these types of spiders are harmless. There are also times when cats eat spiders and there is nothing to worry about. Either by being bitten by one or by eating one, cats are safe around all the Jumping Spiders.
The effect of a bite is mild and non-dangerous. If anything, a spider should be fearing cat and not the other way around. Having both, cat and Jumping spider together as pets might not be a very wise decision.
Are Jumping Spiders Friendly?
Jumping spiders are super friendly and highly observant. However, their alert and curious nature makes them shy, and they tend to jump away from any kind of direct contact.
They are adorable little beings who are friendly to humans but not so friendly to other insects. Their Spider venom is much more poisonous for the beings like them, than it is to humans.
As the name suggests, Jumping Spiders are very jumpy, have big watery eyes, they dance and jump when approached. They are quite entertaining and fun to be with.
Are Jumping Spiders Nice to Humans?
It is now a well known idea that Jumping Spiders are non-aggressive and are considered sociable insects. Their curiosity and energy makes them a good pet. They can be easily handled and also require little space.
Even though they don’t like to be touched, humans can still bond with them. Observing them from a space will help you do that.
Similar to Jumping Spiders are Yellow Sac Spiders and Wolf Spiders. Wolf spiders are one of the large spiders and cannot be judged by their scary looks.
They can bite people but they too, are not harmful. They are commonly found in North America.
There are other spiders that are quite opposite to the ones we have been talking about. Latrodectus Mactans, commonly known as Black Widow, Cobweb spiders are dangerous spiders.
Are Jumping Spider Bites Painful?
Jumping Spider Bites are usually not painful and don’t even leave any symptoms. They are just like common house spiders, which is the common name.
The sting may cause redness like that of a mosquito bite, but it is not as painful a bee’s sting.
If you get an allergic reaction to the bite then there are some treatment procedures that you can follow –
- Clean the stung area with soap and water
- Apply cold compress on the effected area
- If the burning sensation still doesn’t get better, apply antibiotic ointment
- If it still doesn’t get better after 24 hours, it is suggested to seek medical attention
While these spider bites are not that serious and might not need a doctor’s consultation, stings like those of Brown recluse bites do need immediate medical attention. Brown recluse spiders are also known as Violin Spider.
Are Jumping Spiders Smart?
Bold jumping spiders are believed to have the sharpest pairs of eyes. Fringed Jumping Spiders are the smartest kinds of spiders. Their body length might be smaller, but they are capable to attack insects with larger size.
While other spiders hunt using their webs, a bold jumper uses its jumping skills and vision to catch prey. They can also build small tents to protect themselves from predators and rain. This is especially useful to them in aquatic forests more than tropical forests.
Not just that, they also have the capability to pretend to be another insect as a trick to attack them.
They can jump 30 to 40 times their body length, especially in daytime when they are more active, despite their leg span.
To make it to a safe landing as these spiders jump, they use a dragline silk called the safety line. These safety lines also help them control their speed.
There are also some species of semiaquatic spiders who feed on aquatic insects and small fish.
Female cellar spiders are smart enough to identify their potential mates. After the mating, the female produces an egg sac and deposits the eggs in the nest. She leaves after the eggs have hatched.
How to get rid of Jumping Spiders?
Jumping spiders usually avoid infesting houses, if you happen to see one in your house it might have been an accidental infest. Sometimes they enter houses when they sense a potential prey and decide to hunt it down because they are active hunters.
They might even go away if you open your window which will give them a way to escape.
- The easiest way to get rid of them is by capturing them in a box or a jar and releasing them outside without putting them through any harm.
- You can also try to catch them manually, but that way won’t be very effective.
- You need to make sure to look for egg sacs and webs after getting rid of the spider. It is important to remove the eggs and webs. Also, make sure to remove everything that might attract bugs.
- Essential oils like Neem, lavender, peppermint and basil oils can also help you keep away from all the kinds of spiders. You can also use bug repellant sprays.
- Soaking cotton balls in essential oil and placing them around the house is quite effective
- Make sure to keep your house and garden clean
- Check for small places like cracks, door gaps, crawl spaces and vents etc. and in storage areas where small spiders go.
- You can also set sticky traps, they are easily available. All you need to do is follow the directions carefully.
- People also use vacuum cleaner to catch them and throwing them away, but that is not advised.
Brutal killing of any animal or insect should not be recommended or suggested.
Should I get rid of Jumping Spiders?
Jumping Spiders sure are cute and adorable, but no one wants them populating in their house. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Having one as a pet would be more convenient, but letting them in will lead to nesting and them setting in. This will lead to a lot of chaos and mess in the house.
Not only that, it might also cause multiple health issues and infections to the people living in the house. To maintain the hygiene and sanity of a house, it is important to get rid of them. If you hesitate in doing so on your own, you can also call pest control.
For more information on how to get rid of Jumping spiders, you can check out the video-
FAQ relating to if Jumping Spiders are Aggressive
Why do jumping spiders jump at you?
Ans. There are multiple reasons why jumping spiders might jump at you. They might see you as a predator or a threat. That is why it is advised not to nudge or have direct contact with these spiders.
Many people try to touch or hold Jumping Spiders, even if they do it playfully, but it makes them uncomfortable. This, therefore makes you a threat to them.
Another reason they might jump at you is to escape from their attackers and flee away from danger. An increase in blood pressure in their rear part of their body gives their legs a gap. This helps them take long leaps.
Does a jumping spider bite hurt?
Ans. Jumping spider bite doesn’t hurt usually and are asymptomatic unless they dig through the skin flesh. They also cause mild swelling and burning sensation, but that can be easily treated with the help of cold compressions.
You should be careful and consult a doctor if you are allergic to Jumping Spiders and get bit by one. The symptoms of being allergic to Jumping Spider are-swelling, fever, headache, difficulty in breathing and body ache.
What is the smartest spider?
Ans. Fringed Jumping Spider is known for being world’s smartest and most intelligent spider. They are usually found in Australia.
What makes it special is it’s hunting technique and the fact that it feeds on other spiders. It hunts its prey by stalking them and spying on them. At times, they also manage to capture on another spider’s web and slowly and strategically attack them. It keeps modifying its strategies according to its experiences.
It might be the smartest spider but certainly not the dangerous one.
Funnel web spider is the most dangerous spider and is capable of killing humans.
