Jumping Spiders
Order: Arachnida
Family: Araneida
Scientific Name: Phidippus
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Spiders are a large class of arthropods widely distributed throughout the world. Representatives of this group live in habitats which cover environmental extremes. Some species, "traveling" on wind currents, have been collected as high as 5,000 feet in the air. Wind-current travel is a major method of dispersal for some species.
Spiders are predacious, feeding on a wide variety of animals - mostly other arthropods. However, some species feed on larger animals. The most common problem with spiders is the general fear people have of them, and the "bad press" of some species such as black widows and brown recluses.
In general, only a few of the spiders are poisonous. Some of the larger spiders can inflict bites if accidentally handled. Symptoms will vary from person to person.
General Description
Spiders have two body parts, a cephalothorax and an abdomen, as well as eight legs. The eyes are simple and are usually present in four pairs. Below the eyes are the paired chelicerae, sometimes called fangs. These are used to grasp the prey and inject venom.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders belong to the genus Phidippus. These spiders do not build webs. They hunt their prey, often lying in wait and then springing on their victim. When disturbed, they move in a jerky, jumping motion. These spiders are usually black and hairy, with vivid markings on the abdomen. They can be as large a 0.8 cm (1/3 in).
Jumping spiders are usually found outside, especially on plants and around garden areas. You may occasionally find jumping spiders inside around entrances or windows. Jumping spiders may tag-along on outdoor furniture or plants when they are brought inside in the fall. If there is prey for the spider indoors they may survive for some time. However, they do not breed indoors.
Control
Methods to keep insects from entering the structure will work to control spiders, as will physically removing them with hand-held vacuums or other means. Barrier treatments around doors and windows may not kill the spiders. Treatments with wettable powder or encapsulated products usually work better for spider control.
(Courtesy of the National Pest Control Association.)