Better Batten Down the Hatches, Folks!
It’s not the plot of a horror movie or a sci-fi novel. Venomous flying spiders are apparently on their way to the East Coast. Yes, you read that right.
According to the always-reliable experts, the Joro spider, boasting a leg span of up to 4 inches and a penchant for aerial travels, could be moving into your neighborhood sometime this year.
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Meet the New Neighbor: The Joro Spider
Originally hailing from Asia, these ambitious arachnids first graced Georgia with their presence in 2014, likely catching a ride on shipping trucks or containers. By 2021, sightings had spread beyond Georgia to other parts of the Southeast.
Our friends at New Jersey Pest Control have even noted that they could make their grand debut in New Jersey later this year. Can’t wait.
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So, Do They Actually Fly?
Well, sort of. While not exactly pilots in the avian sense, these cunning Joro spiders use a technique called ballooning. They release silk threads into the wind and let themselves be carried off to new lands. Fabulous.
A peer-reviewed study from last fall revealed that there are plenty of suitable habitats for these spiders throughout eastern North America, and some parts of the west too. It looks like there’s no place like home for the Joro spider.
Surviving and Thriving in Urban Jungles
Another study from the University of Georgia found that Joro spiders can thrive in human-dominated landscapes.
As Andy Davis, a research scientist from UGA’s Odum School of Ecology, put it, these spiders are “urban tolerant.” They’ve been spotted in urban areas, their webs dangling even near busy roads. Forget traffic noise; these spiders can make a living anywhere.
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No Need to Panic
Before you stuff your house full of insect repellent, here’s a bit of good news: Joro spiders don’t pose a threat to humans or pets. Phew.
EarthSky has even suggested that they could be beneficial. They munch on insects like stink bugs, which are harmful to crops and love infesting our homes. So, think of them as natural pest control agents. No chemicals required.
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
So, dear East Coasters, before you consider a move to a spider-free zone, remember these winged invaders might actually be a blessing in disguise. They’ll help keep the insect population in check, free of charge.
After all, who doesn’t want a giant, venomous roommate that flies? The story of our lives just needed a little more excitement, right?
Mary’s Two Cents
If you had asked me years ago if I would be cohabitating with venomous flying spiders, I might’ve asked what sci-fi thriller you were watching. Now, it’s as real as my morning coffee. Guess I’ll be setting an extra place at the table.
But hey, maybe these critters aren’t so bad. They’re taking care of the stink bugs so I don’t have to. Perhaps we can all learn to coexist. Or at least keep a safe distance. Who knows, maybe I’ll even start naming them!
