Jumping spiders in the UK: Can they bite and how do I get rid of them? -

MANY people have a fear of spiders and will do anything to prevent them coming into their houses.

But what are jumping spiders and how can you get rid of them?

What are jumping spiders?

Jumping spiders are a group of spiders which, as of 2019, was made up of more than 6000 species.

They have got their name due to jumping at their prey.

They spin a line of safety silk in case they miss and are able to jump up to 40 times their body length.

Jumping spiders can be recognised by their eyes, with each species having four pairs.

There are multiple ways you can get rid of or prevent jumping spiders in your home.

Keep your house clutter free:

To try and prevent jumping spiders in your home, keep your space tidy.

Make sure there are no small spaces they can crawl into.

Seal up any holes or gaps:

Cover up any holes or gaps in your walls so spiders cannot get inside.

You can do this by filling the hole or pushing some furniture over the top.

Get rid of spider webs:

Another way to prevent jumping spiders is getting rid of any webs.

Vacuum the webs away and the spiders won't see your home as inhabitable.

Pick up the spider:

To get them out of your home, simply pick up the spider and put it outside.

Those who are scared of spiders can put a glass over it and lift it outdoors.

Jumping spider bites are uncommon but can occur.

Despite not being venomous, their bites may cause redness, itching, stinging and swelling.

If you think you have been bitten, clean it with soap and water and apply a cold compress.

In terms of living in your home, jumping spiders may be found in small spaces such as under furniture and in cracks of the floor.