Joro spiders, with their striking appearance and large webs, are spreading across the eastern U.S., but experts emphasize that they pose little health risk to humans.
The Joro spider, known for its impressive 4-inch leg span and vibrant markings of neon yellow, blue-black, and red, is making its presence felt across the eastern United States. First recorded in Georgia in 2013, this large arachnid has been steadily moving northward since its arrival, likely hitching a ride on shipping containers or airplanes from Asia.
Currently, Joro spiders have been spotted in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. According to experts from Penn State, they are expected to spread throughout eastern North America, potentially reaching as far north as Pennsylvania and other warmer coastal areas.
One of the unique ways Joro spiders travel is through a method known as “ballooning.” This technique involves hatchlings releasing fine silk threads that catch air currents, allowing them to be carried over long distances.
Ian Williams, an entomologist with Orkin, noted that he counted around 200 adult Joro spiders on his one-acre property near Atlanta by September of last year. “They’re quite intimidating looking spiders, and they make very large webs,” Williams told Fox News Digital. “The webbing itself, if it catches the sunlight, has a golden hue to it. And it’s very strong.”
Despite their striking appearance, experts urge the public not to panic. Research indicates that Joro spiders are among the “shyest” spiders documented. When disturbed, they often remain motionless for over an hour instead of attacking.
<p”While they’re large spiders, they don’t have large fangs. And, so, it’s difficult for them to bite humans,” Williams explained. In the rare event of a bite, he added, the venom is weak and comparable to a localized bee sting, carrying “no medical importance.”
As an invasive species, the ecological impact of the Joro spider is still under investigation. Williams expressed concern that these spiders may out-compete native species for resources. “One of the big concerns is that they potentially out-compete native species of spiders,” he said. The Joro spider is a prolific hunter, preying on everything from mosquitoes to larger insects like cicadas. However, it remains unclear whether they compete directly with native garden spiders for food.
To prevent Joro spiders from nesting on porches or properties, experts recommend using a broom or a long pole to knock down their webs. “Spiders may get the message, ‘Hey, I’m not going to keep remaking my same web in the same area,'” Williams suggested.
Physical removal of the webs is generally more effective than using pesticides, which often fail to reach spiders in their high, open-air webs. For those who encounter a Joro spider in a new location, experts advise logging the sighting on apps like iNaturalist to assist researchers in tracking their northern migration.
Overall, while the Joro spider’s spread is noteworthy, experts maintain that there is no need for alarm regarding health risks associated with these fascinating creatures, according to Fox News.