Everything You Need To Know About The Joro Spider
Sara M. George

 

Trichonephila clavata, also known as the ‘Joro Spider’, is a member of the golden orb-web spider genus. The spider can be found throughout Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, and more recently, northeast Georgia. Joro spiders are easily identified by their larger size and distinctive, gold-tinted multi-layered webs. Here Local Exterminator discusses everything you need to know the joro spider and its invasion into the state of Georgia.

 

Identifying The Joro Spider

  • Size – The Joro spider is known for having a large-sized abdomen with even longer legs. Females are roughly 0.66 to 0.98 inches (1.7 – 2.5 cm) and males have been found to be roughly 0.27 to 0.39 inches (0.70 – 1 cm). Female joro spiders have even been identified in the state of Georgia having leg spans measuring 3 to 4 inches (7.62 – 10.16 cm).
  • Color – Female spiders have deep blue and yellow bands on their legs, and the abdomen is an infusion of red, yellow, and black in asymmetrical patterns. Males are plainer as they only have a brown body.
  • Sightings  – Joro spiders are typically seen mostly during the fall months (September & October).
  • Lifespan – (1) Year

Origin

The Joro spider is native to Asia but has been spotted frequently this year in northern Georgia. Reports from the University of Georgia claim the first sightings of the spider were between 2013 and 2014. Scientists used genetic analysis to confirm those sightings as Joro spiders in 2015, and Georgia Museum of Natural History collections director Rick Hoebeke tracked them as they spread throughout the state. Scientists think they arrived as stowaways on cargo ships. Since then, the spider has grown in mass numbers within the state, as they’ve been sighted in nearly 25 different counties. This genus of spiders are professionals at spreading. They use a ballooning technique, in which the spiders spin a web to catch the air current, allowing them to fly for 50-100 miles before latching onto a tree. Joro spiders thrive on the edge of woods and around homes and are often found congregating in groups.

Dangerous To Humans?

With their long-banded legs and large abdomens, these spiders may seem intimidating, but they’re NOT dangerous to people. Like all spiders, they’re venomous, but a single bite could be compared to a small bee sting. However, unless a person is specifically allergic to Joro spiders, they shouldn’t be concerned.

Prevention

There are many ways to prevent spiders from entering your home. Here are a few:

  • Keep a tidy home.
  • Don’t leave food out that will attract other insects, in turn attracting spiders.
  • Vacuum up spider webs on a regular basis.
  • Seal up any cracks or entry points in your home.
  • Keep up with landscaping. Don’t keep plants or vegetation directly against your home.

 

Spider Control In Metro Atlanta

 

All of these things may help to eliminate and prevent spiders, however, only a qualified pest control professional can ensure that the spider infestation in your house has been properly dealt with. Here at Local Exterminator we have three decades worth of necessary skills and experience to treat your spider infestation correctly so that you can rest assured spiders aren’t crawling around in your home.

 

5 Real Ways to Eat Bugs

5 Real Ways to Eat Bugs

by Gian K • 13 November 2023
Like many people, you’ve probably seen one too many episodes of Fear Factor. Watching someone uneasily crunch down on a cockroach while immersed in a tank of them is enough to put anyone off the idea of eating insects… as if you needed a reason to avoid eating them in the first place. Despite what… Read More » The post 5 Real Ways to Eat Bugs first appeared on Local Exterminator.
5 Pointers for Defeating Rodents

5 Pointers for Defeating Rodents

by Mac W • 12 November 2023
When you hear “mice and rats,” what words come to mind? Annoying? Filthy? Scary? Disgusting? How about dangerous? As it turns out, your fear of rodents isn’t irrational—they are dangerous. Rodents are common vectors for diseases, fleas, germs, and other filth. There’s a reason restaurants are required to be rodent-free: these vermin can pose a… Read More » The post 5 Pointers for Defeating Rodents first appeared on Local Exterminator.