Do Jumping Spiders Need Water?

Many first-time owners assume jumping spiders get all the moisture they need from their food. While live prey does provide some hydration, jumping spiders still need access to fresh water to stay healthy.

The good news is that providing water is simple. By lightly misting your spider's enclosure and maintaining the right humidity, you can help keep them hydrated without making the habitat too wet.

In this guide, we'll explain how jumping spiders drink, how often to mist their enclosure, and the signs that your spider may be dehydrated.

How Do Jumping Spiders Drink?

Unlike mammals, jumping spiders don't drink from bowls or dishes. Instead, they drink tiny droplets of water that collect on leaves, cork bark, enclosure walls and silk.

You'll often see a spider approach a droplet and lower its mouthparts to drink for several seconds.

This natural behaviour makes fine misting the safest and easiest way to provide water.

Should You Use a Water Bowl?

For almost all pet jumping spiders, no.

Water bowls are unnecessary and can create excess humidity in smaller enclosures. Tiny spiderlings (slings) can also become trapped in standing water.

A light mist creates plenty of drinking opportunities without introducing these risks.

How Often Should You Mist?

Most keepers lightly mist the enclosure:

• Every 2–3 days for many commonly kept species.
• Slightly more often during warm weather if droplets evaporate quickly.
• Less often if the enclosure stays damp for long periods.

The aim is to provide fresh drinking droplets while allowing the enclosure to dry between misting sessions.

Where Should You Spray?

Rather than spraying directly at your spider, lightly mist:

• The enclosure walls
• Artificial or live plants
• Cork bark
• Decorative branches

This creates small droplets your spider can safely drink from while avoiding unnecessary stress.

Can You Spray the Spider?

It's best not to.

Although an occasional droplet isn't harmful, repeatedly spraying directly onto your spider can cause stress and encourage it to retreat into its silk hammock.

Instead, mist the enclosure around your spider.

Signs Your Jumping Spider Is Dehydrated

A dehydrated spider may show several warning signs, including:

• A noticeably shrunken or wrinkled abdomen
• Reduced activity
• Difficulty climbing smooth surfaces
• Less interest in hunting
• Spending more time resting

If you notice these symptoms, offer fresh water droplets and ensure your enclosure isn't excessively dry.

Can You Mist Too Much?

Yes.

Overly damp conditions can encourage mould, poor air quality and unwanted bacteria.

Signs your enclosure is too wet include:

• Condensation that never disappears
• Constantly damp substrate
• Mould growth
• Musty smells

Good ventilation is just as important as humidity.

Do Different Species Need Different Humidity?

Yes.

Some tropical species naturally prefer slightly higher humidity, while others thrive in drier conditions.

Always research the needs of your particular species before making significant changes to enclosure conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can jumping spiders survive without water?

They may survive for a short time by obtaining moisture from prey, but regular access to fresh water droplets is important for long-term health.

Can I use tap water?

In most areas of the UK, tap water is suitable. If your local water is particularly hard, many keepers prefer filtered or dechlorinated water.

How do I know if my spider has drunk?

You may see your spider pause at a droplet with its mouthparts touching the water for several seconds. Some spiders drink soon after the enclosure is misted, while others wait until later in the day.

Should I mist every day?

Not usually. Light misting every few days is sufficient for most commonly kept pet jumping spiders, although this can vary depending on the species and the conditions in your home.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your jumping spider hydrated doesn't need to be complicated. A light mist every few days, good ventilation and careful observation are usually all that's required.

Rather than relying on a fixed schedule, watch your spider's behaviour and enclosure conditions. Healthy hydration, combined with the right temperature, feeding routine and habitat, will help your jumping spider live a long and active life.