When people think of spider bites, fear often follows — but did you know that many spiders are completely harmless to humans? In fact, most spiders you encounter around your home or garden are non-poisonous and actually beneficial by helping to control insect pests naturally.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 types of non-poisonous spiders whose bites are harmless and rarely cause any discomfort. You’ll learn how to identify them, where they live, and why they deserve a little more appreciation rather than fear.
1. Bold Jumping Spider
The Bold Jumping Spider is a small, energetic spider known for its fearless attitude and incredible jumping ability. Despite its bold nature, it is a non-poisonous spider and completely harmless to humans. It often helps control insect pests around homes and gardens.
Identification
- Size: 8–15 mm
- Color: Black body with a metallic green or blue sheen on fangs
- Notable Features: Stocky build, short legs, shiny chelicerae (mouthparts)
Habitat and Behavior
The Bold Jumping Spider is commonly found in gardens, fences, walls, and sometimes indoors near windows. They prefer sunny, open areas where they can actively hunt during the day. These spiders are active hunters, stalking and leaping onto their prey rather than spinning webs to catch food. They spin silk draglines for safety when jumping and are typically shy but may show curiosity toward humans.
Bite Details
Bites from Bold Jumping Spiders are very rare and usually occur only when the spider feels trapped or threatened. A bite may feel like a small pinch and can cause minor redness or swelling. Symptoms typically disappear within a few hours to a day without the need for medical treatment.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Bold Jumping Spiders are not dangerous to humans. As a non-poisonous spider, their bite is harmless and causes only mild, temporary irritation. These spiders are beneficial because they help control insect populations naturally.
2. Golden Jumping Spider
The Golden Jumping Spider is a striking little spider known for its beautiful golden sheen and quick movements. It is a non-poisonous spider and is completely harmless to humans, often seen hopping around plants and flowers.
Identification
- Size: 6–10 mm
- Color: Golden yellow or light brown with a metallic shine
- Notable Features: Compact body, large forward-facing eyes, shimmering golden color
Habitat and Behavior
Golden Jumping Spiders are typically found on flowers, shrubs, and in gardens. They prefer bright, sunny spots where they can hunt small insects. These spiders are active during the day and use their excellent vision to spot and pounce on prey. They are shy and usually avoid human contact.
Bite Details
Bites are extremely rare and occur only if the spider feels threatened. The bite may cause a very mild pinch and slight redness, but symptoms fade quickly without any special treatment.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Golden Jumping Spiders are not dangerous to humans. As a non-poisonous species, their bites are harmless and they are beneficial for controlling garden pests naturally.
3. Zebra Jumping Spider
The Zebra Jumping Spider is easily recognizable by its black and white striped pattern. It is a non-poisonous spider that poses no threat to humans and is loved by gardeners for its pest control skills.
Identification
- Size: 5–9 mm
- Color: Black with white or pale stripes
- Notable Features: Small size, zebra-like striping, large front eyes
Habitat and Behavior
Zebra Jumping Spiders are commonly found on garden plants, walls, windowsills, and tree trunks. They thrive in sunny locations where they can actively hunt for flies and small insects. These spiders are incredibly agile, using their jumping ability to surprise prey. They are curious but prefer to retreat when approached by humans.
Bite Details
Bites are very rare and usually happen only if the spider feels cornered. A bite feels like a tiny pinch with minimal redness, disappearing within a day without any complications.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Zebra Jumping Spiders are not dangerous to humans. Being a non-poisonous species, their bites are completely harmless and they play an important role in natural pest control.
4. Gray Wall Jumping Spider
The Gray Wall Jumping Spider is a small, agile spider often seen darting across walls and fences. It is a non-poisonous spider and completely harmless to humans, commonly admired for its quick movements and curious nature.
Identification
- Size: 6–12 mm
- Color: Gray or brown with fine, short hairs
- Notable Features: Flattened body, muted gray color, large forward-facing eyes
Habitat and Behavior
Gray Wall Jumping Spiders are typically found on exterior walls, garden structures, rocks, and tree trunks. They prefer sunny areas where they can actively hunt during the day. These spiders use their strong vision and jumping skills to capture prey. They are shy around humans and will often leap away when approached.
Bite Details
Bites are extremely rare and only occur when the spider feels trapped. A bite feels like a mild pinch with slight redness or swelling that resolves quickly without treatment.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Gray Wall Jumping Spiders are not dangerous to humans. Being a non-poisonous species, their bite is harmless and they help control insects around homes and gardens.
5. Tan Jumping Spider
The Tan Jumping Spider is a soft-colored, fast-moving spider known for its gentle behavior and excellent hunting skills. As a non-poisonous spider, it poses no threat to humans and is often unnoticed due to its subtle coloring.
Identification
- Size: 5–8 mm
- Color: Light tan to pale brown
- Notable Features: Small size, fuzzy appearance, subtle striping or pattern on the back
Habitat and Behavior
Tan Jumping Spiders can be found on walls, fences, plants, and even inside homes near windows. They prefer well-lit areas where they can actively hunt for small insects. These spiders are cautious, quick movers and rely on their incredible jumping ability to catch prey or escape danger.
Bite Details
Bites are very uncommon and generally happen only when a spider is handled roughly. The bite might feel like a tiny pinch, with mild redness that fades quickly.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Tan Jumping Spiders are not dangerous to humans. As a non-poisonous species, their bites are harmless and they are helpful allies in natural pest management.
6. Green Lynx Spider
The Green Lynx Spider is a bright, eye-catching spider often found among plants and flowers. It is a non-poisonous spider and harmless to humans, known for its excellent pest control abilities in gardens.
Identification
- Size: 12–22 mm
- Color: Bright green with a reddish spot between the eyes
- Notable Features: Long legs with black spines, transparent green body, excellent camouflage among plants
Habitat and Behavior
Green Lynx Spiders are usually found in gardens, fields, and shrubs where they blend into the foliage. They are active hunters during the day, ambushing insects rather than building webs. These spiders are highly agile and can leap quickly to catch prey or avoid threats.
Bite Details
Although they can bite if provoked, bites from a Green Lynx Spider are very rare and generally result in minor pain, redness, and slight swelling that disappear without any serious issues.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Green Lynx Spiders are not dangerous to humans. Being non-poisonous, their bite is harmless and they are valuable for controlling harmful garden pests naturally.
7. Common House Spider
The Common House Spider is one of the most familiar spiders found indoors. It is a non-poisonous spider and harmless to humans, often quietly living in corners and helping to control indoor insect populations.
Identification
- Size: 4–9 mm
- Color: Brownish with lighter markings
- Notable Features: Round abdomen, long skinny legs, messy web structure
Habitat and Behavior
Common House Spiders are found inside homes, garages, sheds, and other buildings. They build irregular, tangled webs in quiet corners and catch flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. These spiders are shy and typically stay hidden, posing no threat to humans.
Bite Details
Bites are very rare and happen only if the spider feels severely threatened. A bite feels like a light pinch with minor redness, usually healing without any treatment.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Common House Spiders are not dangerous to humans. Being a non-poisonous species, their bites are harmless and they serve an important role in indoor pest control.
8. Southern House Spider
The Southern House Spider is a large, harmless spider often mistaken for more dangerous species. It is a non-poisonous spider and is completely safe for humans, often living undisturbed in dark corners of buildings.
Identification
- Size: 10–18 mm (females larger than males)
- Color: Males are brownish; females are dark brown or charcoal gray
- Notable Features: Long legs, velvety appearance, funnel-shaped webs
Habitat and Behavior
Southern House Spiders are commonly found in cracks, crevices, attics, and basements. They prefer dark, undisturbed places where they build funnel-shaped webs. Although they may appear intimidating, they are shy and avoid human contact.
Bite Details
Bites are very rare and generally occur only if handled directly. A bite might cause mild discomfort and slight redness, but symptoms vanish quickly without medical care.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Southern House Spiders are not dangerous to humans. As a non-poisonous species, their bite is harmless, and they play a valuable role in controlling indoor pests.
9. Daddy Longlegs (Harvestmen)
Often confused with spiders, Daddy Longlegs (technically harvestmen) are harmless, non-poisonous arachnids. They do not bite humans and are known for their delicate appearance and helpful nature.
Identification
- Size: Body length 2–10 mm; legs up to 50 mm long
- Color: Light brown to gray
- Notable Features: Tiny, round body with extremely long, thin legs
Habitat and Behavior
Daddy Longlegs are found in gardens, forests, basements, and crawl spaces. They prefer moist environments and often gather in groups. Unlike true spiders, they do not spin webs and instead scavenge for small insects and organic material.
Bite Details
Daddy Longlegs do not bite humans at all. They have no venom harmful to people and pose zero threat.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Daddy Longlegs are not dangerous to humans. As completely non-poisonous creatures, they are harmless and often beneficial by helping clean up organic debris and small pests.
10. Orb Weaver Spider
The Orb Weaver Spider is famous for its large, beautiful webs and colorful body patterns. It is a non-poisonous spider and completely harmless to humans, playing an important role in controlling flying insect populations.
Identification
- Size: 6–20 mm depending on the species
- Color: Varies — often bright orange, yellow, red, or brown
- Notable Features: Large round abdomen, long legs, intricate round webs
Habitat and Behavior
Orb Weaver Spiders are commonly found in gardens, forests, and fields. They prefer open spaces where they can anchor their large webs to catch flying insects like flies, mosquitoes, and moths. These spiders are nocturnal builders and usually hide nearby during the day.
Bite Details
Orb Weaver bites are extremely rare and only occur if the spider is accidentally pressed against the skin. A bite may cause mild discomfort, redness, or itching, but symptoms disappear quickly.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Orb Weaver Spiders are not dangerous to humans. As non-poisonous spiders, their bites are harmless, and they are highly beneficial for natural pest control.
11. Spiny Orb Weaver
The Spiny Orb Weaver is a small, colorful spider with a striking, spiky appearance. It is a non-poisonous spider and poses no threat to humans, often admired for its unique shape and bright colors.
Identification
- Size: 5–10 mm
- Color: White, yellow, or red with black spines
- Notable Features: Hard, flattened body with spines sticking out, bright and vivid patterns
Habitat and Behavior
Spiny Orb Weavers are found in gardens, wooded areas, and shrubs. They build small, circular webs usually between tree branches or in bushes. These spiders are shy, non-aggressive, and focus mainly on catching flying insects.
Bite Details
Bites are extremely rare and occur only under extreme stress. If bitten, it may feel like a light sting with mild redness or irritation, healing on its own within a short time.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Spiny Orb Weavers are not dangerous to humans. As a non-poisonous species, they cause no harm and are valuable for reducing flying insect pests.
12. Trashline Orb Weaver
The Trashline Orb Weaver is a small, camouflaged spider known for decorating its web with debris. It is a non-poisonous spider and harmless to humans, helping maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.
Identification
- Size: 5–9 mm
- Color: Brown or grayish with mottled patterns
- Notable Features: Small size, web decorated with prey remains and debris (“trashline”)
Habitat and Behavior
Trashline Orb Weavers are found in gardens, forests, and hedges. They build circular webs that often include a visible line of debris. These spiders sit motionless along the trashline during the day, blending in perfectly for camouflage and protection.
Bite Details
Bites are almost unheard of and occur only if the spider is provoked. A bite may cause very mild redness or itching, resolving quickly without any issues.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Trashline Orb Weavers are not dangerous to humans. Being non-poisonous, their bites are harmless and they are beneficial for keeping insect populations under control.
Conclusion
While spider bites may sound scary, the truth is that most spiders are non-poisonous and harmless to humans. The 12 spiders we covered here — from bold jumpers to colorful orb weavers — are gentle creatures that prefer to stay out of human conflict. Their bites, if they happen at all, cause little more than minor redness or irritation that heals quickly.
