A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Spood Safe When Temperatures Soar
Heatwaves can be challenging for both you and your jumping spider . When temperatures rise across the UK, it's important to know how to keep your tiny companion safe and comfortable. We enjoy making the most of the warmer weather. Unfortunately, our tiny eight-legged friends don't always share our enthusiasm!
Jumping spiders are surprisingly resilient, but prolonged high temperatures can quickly become dangerous if they're unable to cool down. Knowing what to look out for—and what to do—can make all the difference during a heatwave.
What Temperature Is Too Hot?
Most commonly kept Phidippus regius are comfortable between 22°C and 26°C.
As temperatures climb:
✅ 22–26°C – Ideal
🌤️ 27–29°C – Warm but generally fine if well ventilated
☀️ 30–32°C – Monitor closely and take steps to keep them cool
🔥 33°C+ – Dangerous. Immediate action should be taken to reduce enclosure temperatures.
Remember, the enclosure is often warmer than the room itself. Direct sunlight can increase the temperature surprisingly quickly.
Signs Your Jumping Spider May Be Too Hot
Keep an eye out for:
- Spending long periods on the floor of the enclosure
- Remaining completely still with little interest in exploring
- Excessive stretching out of the body and legs
- Avoiding their hammock
- Reduced appetite
- Difficulty climbing acrylic or glass surfaces
- Lethargy or weakness
If you notice several of these signs during hot weather, check the enclosure temperature as soon as possible.
The Biggest Danger: Direct Sunlight
One of the most common mistakes is placing an enclosure on a sunny windowsill.
Even if the room feels comfortable, acrylic or glass enclosures can act like tiny greenhouses.
Temperatures inside can rise extremely quickly—often far beyond what a jumping spider can safely tolerate.
Always keep your enclosure:
- Out of direct sunlight
- Avoid conservatories
- Keep clear of radiators
- Don't place it near hot computer equipment
- Never leave it in parked cars
Bright natural light is wonderful.
Direct sunlight is not.
How to Keep Your Jumping Spider Cool
Luckily, there are several simple ways to help your spider stay comfortable.
✔ Move the enclosure
Often the coolest room in the house is:
- North-facing rooms
- Hallways
- Downstairs rooms
- Rooms with curtains closed
Even moving the enclosure a few feet away from a sunny window can make a huge difference.
✔ Close blinds and curtains
Keeping the room shaded can reduce temperatures significantly throughout the day.
✔ Increase airflow
Good ventilation helps prevent heat building up inside the enclosure.
You can:
- Open windows (provided the enclosure remains secure)
- Use a fan to circulate air around the room
Important: Never point a fan directly at your spider's enclosure, as constant airflow can dry it out too quickly.
✔ Keep fresh water available
During hot weather your spider may drink more frequently.
Provide regular access to fresh water droplets and ensure humidity remains appropriate for the species and life stage.
Avoid soaking the enclosure.
✔ Consider moving decorations
Very dense décor can sometimes reduce airflow.
If the enclosure feels particularly stuffy, temporarily simplifying the layout can help improve ventilation.
Should You Mist More Often?
Not necessarily.
Many people assume extra misting will cool an enclosure. In reality, too much moisture combined with heat can encourage mould, stale air and bacterial growth.
Instead:
- Continue your normal watering routine.
- Offer fresh water droplets when needed.
- Focus on lowering the room temperature rather than increasing humidity.
Feeding Your Jumping Spider During Hot Weather
Some spiders naturally eat a little less during extremely hot conditions.
This isn't always a cause for concern.
Offer appropriately sized prey as normal, but don't worry if your spider chooses not to feed immediately.
Never leave live prey unattended for long periods, particularly if your spider appears stressed or is preparing to moult.
Travelling During a Heatwave
If you're transporting your spider:
- Never leave them in a parked vehicle.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Travel during the coolest parts of the day where possible.
- Ensure plenty of airflow around the transport container.
- Avoid unnecessary delays.
Even a short time inside a hot car can become dangerous.
What About Heat Mats?
During a heatwave, heat mats should usually be switched off unless the room is unusually cool.
Your jumping spider doesn't need additional heat when the surrounding environment is already warm.
If you normally use supplementary heating, always monitor the enclosure temperature with a reliable thermometer.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Seek advice if your jumping spider :
- Cannot grip surfaces
- Continues lying motionless for prolonged periods
- Appears weak or unresponsive
- Is repeatedly falling
- Shows severe curling of the legs
- Does not improve after the enclosure has been cooled safely
Acting early is always better than waiting.
Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure
A simple digital thermometer and hygrometer can help you monitor conditions at a glance. Our Digital Hygrometer & Thermometer makes checking temperature and humidity quick and easy.
Use a simple digital thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions. You'll spot changes early and can make small adjustments before they become bigger problems.
Our Digital Hygrometer & Thermometer makes it easy to check both temperature and humidity at a glance.
Fortunately, most jumping spiders cope remarkably well with the British summer. Providing a cool room, good ventilation and fresh water will help them stay comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Heatwaves can be feel stressful for both you and your jumping spider . Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help keep your spider safe and comfortable until the weather cools.
At Opus Vita, the welfare of our spiders always comes first. During periods of extreme heat, we may delay the dispatch of live spiders. Their welfare always comes first, and we'll only send them when conditions are safe for travel. We'd always rather keep your new companion comfortable for a little longer than risk their wellbeing in transit.
A short wait helps ensure your tiny explorer arrives happy, healthy and ready for their new home. 🕷️💚
0 comments