If you have arachnophobia and reside on the East Coast, it may be time to prepare yourself.
Regrettably, I have some unsettling news to share – vast spiders are establishing themselves across parts of America, with a notable increase expected in New York and New Jersey. These large visitors are known as the Joro spider.
Capable of expanding their leg span to four inches, these arachnids not only boast considerable size but also have the ability to glide through the air.
Although venomous, the venom of a Joro spider is not considered harmful to humans or pets, which is a small relief.
Distinctive for their impressive size and aerial abilities, Joro spiders also feature striking yellow and grey markings on their bodies.
Originating from countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China, these spiders made their way to northern Georgia by 2010, though the first Joro spider sighting there was not documented until 2014.
Having settled on the East Coast for a while, the spread of Joro spiders is reportedly continuing.
David Coyle, an assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, highlighted in a recent study that Joro spiders are “here to stay” in the US.
“This spider will likely find most of the eastern US suitable for habitation. The climate here aligns closely with their native regions,” he explained.
Concerning the expected arrival of these large spiders in New York, José R. Ramírez-Garofalo, an ecologist at Rutgers University’s Lockwood Lab and president of Protectors of Pine Oak Woods on Staten Island, remarked that their arrival is inevitable.
Although these spiders are not harmful, their presence in homes is generally unwelcome.
To manage Joro spider populations, Coyle suggests a moderate approach: “Pesticides are effective but can be excessive, harming other species and incurring costs. A simpler method is to physically remove them from your house using a stick or broom, as they are often found on structures.”
Lookout Pest Control recommends maintaining a clean home, storing food properly, vacuuming up any spider webs, and sealing cracks and potential entry points to deter Joro spiders from entering.