If the predictions are correct, this year will be an awful time for arachnophobes. The East Coast, including New Jersey, may be infested with another insect this summer, aside from the annoying spotted lanternflies, stink bugs, ticks and cicadas: the Joro spider.
According to NJ Pest Control, the Joro spider (Nephila clavata) is a giant venomous flying spider that is not native to America, but possibly entered the southeastern United States from Japan, either from cargo travel or someone bringing them in, as early as 2010; however, they made news in Georgia in 2021 when more of them were found.
The spiders are hard to miss because the females are blueish-gray and yellow, with red markings; and the males are mostly brown. The females are about an inch, with legs up to 4 inches long, while males are only about a quarter-inch. They “fly,” meaning they release their silk threads into the air and are carried by the wind, similar to how a balloon moves. They have been found in urban and rural areas, and reproduce rapidly.
When it comes to humans, their venom is not deadly, but it can cause discomfort and allergic reactions in some people. It’s unclear if the spiders will hurt or help our existing insect population and crops.
“All spiders are venomous, but in New Jersey, only the black widow poses a danger to people. The brown recluse also has a dangerous bite that poses a risk to people, but it is not native to the garden state and is rarely found there. The Joro spider is venomous, but the venom does not typically pose a health risk to people unless there is an allergic reaction. Luckily, spiders rarely bite people and typically only do so in self-defense,” Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of Public Affairs at National Pest Management Association, tells New Jersey Family.
Pest management companies are figuring out how to deal with a potential invasion. Keeping firewood away from the home and removing webs can help keep them away, according to Pestworld.org. To help scientists track the spiders, you can take pictures and upload them to the crowd-sourcing app iNaturalist.
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