Joro spider season is here again. Residents across several states are reporting sightings of these large, colorful arachnids as their population peaks from August through October. While they often startle people with their size, they are part of a growing number of invasive species currently found within the country.
Female Joro spiders are identifiable by their yellow, blue, black, and red coloring and can grow up to four inches across. Males remain much smaller and duller in appearance. Experts note that while their size is intimidating, the spiders pose little threat to humans. Their fangs are too small to easily pierce skin, and bites are rare events that feel similar to a bee sting.
These spiders arrived in Georgia around 2013, likely hitching a ride on international shipping containers from Asia. Since that time, they have spread to surrounding regions by attaching themselves to vehicles or moving through the air during a growth stage called ballooning. While they have been reported in various states, established populations currently exist primarily in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
If you spot a Joro spider, experts suggest you leave it alone. They act as natural pest control by consuming other insects around homes and gardens. You can contribute to ongoing research by documenting sightings through Joro Watch or the iNaturalist app. Reporting helps scientists track the movement and impact of this species as it adapts to the environment.