If you live in Tucson, you’ve probably spotted a jumping spider or two around your home. These fast-moving arachnids are common across Arizona, especially in warm, dry places like Tucson and Phoenix.
Most of them aren’t harmful to people, and some can help by eating other bugs.
But if you’re seeing them more often, or inside your house, it’s worth learning how to tell which ones are which and what you can do to manage them.
In this guide, we’ll go over the most common species of jumping spiders in southern Arizona, how to tell if you might have more than just a few, and how to deal with them the right way.
Key Takeaways
- Tucson has four main jumping spiders, and each one looks different and shows up in different places.
- Seeing spiders every day, noticing silk nests, or spotting spiderlings can mean they are living inside.
- Small gaps, messy yards, and bug problems make it easier for jumping spiders to stay near your home.
- Green Home Pest Control helps Arizona homes keep out spiders with local service and safe treatment plans.
Common Species of Jumping Spiders in Tucson
Tucson is home to several kinds of jumping spiders, and each one looks and acts a little differently. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Bold Jumping Spider
The bold jumping spider is one of the most recognizable spiders in Arizona. It has a black body with white or orange spots and shiny green or blue chelicerae (those are the mouthparts in front). Its body length is usually around ½ inch.
You’ll often find these spiders in sunny spots outside, like walls, patios, or fences. In Tucson neighborhoods with brick or stucco homes, they’re very common.
Arizona Jumping Spider
This Arizona jumping spider is smaller and harder to spot. It lives across Arizona and parts of northern Mexico, but it’s especially common in the Sonoran Desert. Its body is brownish or tan, which helps it blend into sandy soil and desert rocks.
These spiders usually hide in small cracks or under outdoor furniture. They belong to the Phidippus group in the Salticidae family, the group that includes all true jumping spiders.
Emerald Jumping Spider
The emerald jumping spider has a shiny green body that stands out in the Arizona desert. You’re more likely to see it near areas with plants and water, like riverbeds or well-watered yards in east Tucson or Gilbert.
These spiders are small but easy to recognize because of their bright color. They’re usually not aggressive and will jump away if you get too close.
Dancing Jumping Spiders
Also known as the “Habronattus spiders,” they are tiny little spiders that live in dry, rocky areas across Arizona. They have short legs and dull brown coloring, which makes them easy to miss. You’ll often see them in gravel yards or near potted plants.
If you live in places like Mesa, Peoria, or Tempe, they may show up on sidewalks or garden paths. Some male Habronattus spiders do a little dance to impress females, which is fun to watch if you spot one.
How to Deal With Jumping Spiders
If you’re seeing jumping spiders around your home more often, it’s time to act. Here’s what you can do to keep them out and make your space less inviting:
Close Off Entry Points
Check your doors, windows, vents, and walls for any small gaps. Even a crack the size of a pencil can let a spider through. In areas like Tucson and Phoenix, hot weather can cause building materials to expand and shrink, making new gaps form over time.
Use weather stripping and caulk to seal these spots.
Cut Off Their Food Source
The best way to reduce jumping spiders is to get rid of the bugs they eat. That means fixing leaky faucets (which attract pests), keeping your kitchen clean, and using termite control or other pest strategies.
If there’s nothing to eat, spiders won’t stick around.
Clean Up Outside Your Home
Spiders like shady spots with lots of places to hide.
In Peoria, Mesa, and Gilbert, homes with bushes, yard debris, and woodpiles are more likely to attract both bugs and spiders. Keep your yard tidy. Trim bushes, rake leaves, and move firewood away from the walls of your house.
Call a Professional for Spider Control
If you’ve tried everything and are still seeing spiders, it might be time to call in the pros.
At Green Home Pest Control, we offer pest control services for homes in Tucson, Phoenix, Tempe, and nearby cities. We handle everything from jumping spiders to wolf spiders, tarantulas, and other desert pests.
Our treatments are safe and tailored for Arizona homes, giving you results without the worry.
If you’re ready for fewer spiders and more peace of mind, schedule a local visit today and keep spiders out for good.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
