Joro Spiders legs grow to be up to four inches long. These giant venomous spiders were spotted in New York last summer and could be expanding their presence this summer to include much of the Northeast.
The Joro Spiders are known for their ability to fly from place to place. While the spiders don’t have wings, they use their silk webbing to create parachutes that help them fly through the air. The smart spiders coordinate their parachutes with the wind currents, creating the illusion of flight, but they are actually riding the wind currents on webbed balloons.
Where are Joro Spiders from?
The distinctive Joro Spiders have a yellow body that’s earned them the title “banana spiders” down south. Joro Spiders are an invasive species hailing from East Asia. However, Joro Spiders existed in the U.S. for decades, mainly in Georgia and Florida. The Joro Spider was spotted in the U.S. for the first time in 2013 Hoschton, Georgia.
It’s not definite how the Joro Spider made its way to the U.S. However, some speculate a shipping container traveling from East Asia to the Southeastern United States could be responsible. Since 2013, the Joro Spider population in the U.S. has grown significantly, with the spiders traveling up north to New York.
Are Joro Spiders dangerous?
It’s possible they can come to New England this summer. The East Coast is on alert as the Joro Spiders move north. But the giant spiders, dawning eight four-inch legs are documented to be harmless to humans. While venomous, sources state that Joro Spiders prefer not to bite humans, and while venomous, they are not poisonous.
How to get rid of Joro Spiders?
Joro Spiders tend to inhabit forests, wooded areas, or the like near manmade buildings. Some suggest that if you have firewood near your home, moving it away from the premises will help reduce risk of the spiders coming near your home. Joro Spiders rarely are found inside homes, so you don’t need to take any precautions.
While the idea of giant parachuting spiders might make your spine chill and give you goosebumps, the good news is that they are relatively harmless to humans!
