What You Need to Know About the Invasive Joro Spider

Over the past few months, it seems that every media outlet has run some version of the sensational headline, “Giant, Venomous, Flying Spiders to Invade New York This Summer!” The implication is that the joro spider is a terrifying threat and we should prepare for our lives to look like a 1950s sci-fi movie.

While these headlines about the joro spider may be mostly correct in a technical sense, there is no need for the hysteria being whipped up surrounding its impending arrival in the region. This colorful arachnid is indeed on our doorstep, spreading north due to its moderate cold tolerance coupled with a warming climate… but joro spiders are not nearly as frightening as overwrought news segments and clickbait articles portray them.

What Are Joro Spider?

The joro (trichonephila clavata), native to east Asia, is from a class of spiders called orb weavers. Orb weavers are known for their large, wheel shaped webs. To address the headlines… yes, they are quite large, and – like nearly all spiders – they have venom, which is a normal part of their digestive process.

What the media gets wrong is making it seem like joro spiders can fly. What they can do is float on wind currents. Sometimes joro spider webs are picked up by the wind and a young, lighter weight joro may be blown along with it. This has earned them the classification of a ballooning or parachuting spider. This is a far cry from something having wings or enjoying the ability to intentionally take flight in a specific direction.

How Big Are Joro Spiders?

Joro females are approximately three inches long, about the length of a woman’s palm. Female joros are brightly colored, with a turquoise and yellow banded body, a red underbelly, and orange and black striped legs. Joro spider males are smaller and significantly less colorful than their female counterparts. Only the females spin webs, which can approach 10 feet wide and glow a golden color in sunlight.

Are Joro Spiders in NY?

There are no confirmed reports of joro spiders anywhere in New York, but they are projected to be found in New York State and New Jersey as early as this summer. They are making their way up the east coast, so their eventual arrival is inevitable. Currently, joro spiders can be found in some southern, mid-Atlantic, and midwestern states. They are slowly spreading to the north and west.

How Did Joro Spiders Get to the U.S.?

Joro spiders most likely found their way to U.S. ports in shipping containers. Upon arrival, they traveled via truck and train distribution routes, and now joros are spreading organically via ground and wind.

Are Joro Spiders Harmful?

Like most orb weavers, joro spiders are generally harmless. They are quite shy and only bite when cornered or attacked. Although they are capable of biting, their fangs are too small to effectively penetrate the skin. If they do manage to bite, their venom is unlikely to cause a reaction unless the individual has a spider allergy.

Should You Get Rid of Joro Spiders?

There is no compelling reason to get rid of joro spiders unless they are causing trouble or if someone in your family has a serious spider allergy. Although they are an invasive species, they are considered beneficial since they eat pests like stink bugs, aphids, mosquitoes, and flies.

The biggest unknown and greatest concern about joro spiders is the effect they may have on the ecosystems into which they’re making inroads. They have few natural predators, and it is possible they may eventually displace native species. Or they may not. It’s just too soon to tell.

Twin Forks Pest Control® is Your Spider Removal Expert

Joro spiders are more to be appreciated than feared, but there are other spider species that should be of concern to East End residents. Black widows, brown recluses, and yellow sacs are dangerous to humans and pets. Twin Forks Pest Control® is your Long Island spider removal expert, with more than 20 years of experience. Contact us online for a free estimate, or call (631) 324-9020 in East Hampton; (631) 287-9020 in Southampton, or (631) 298-0500 in Southold.