Joro Spider Bite Symptoms: What to Expect as Giant Invasive Arachnids Spread Across the Northeast
Arachnophobes, brace yourselves — the giant Joro spider, an invasive species known for its vibrant yellow and black coloration and considerable size, is on the move. Expected to make their way into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware this summer, these spiders have been proliferating across the southeastern United States for the past decade. As they move north, understanding Joro spider bite symptoms and their potential impact is becoming increasingly important.
Native to East Asia, the Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) was first documented in the United States in Georgia around 2014. They likely arrived via shipping containers. Since then, their range has expanded significantly, covering at least 120,000 square kilometers across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee by October 2022. Reports have also surfaced of sightings in Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.
A 2023 study conducted by David Coyle, an assistant professor at Clemson University, concluded that these spiders are “here to stay” in the U.S., with their comfort zone in their native range aligning well with much of North America. The study predicts that Joro spiders will continue to spread, particularly across the eastern U.S., facilitated by a combination of natural dispersal mechanisms like ballooning — where spiders release silk threads to catch the wind and move through the air — and human-mediated transport.
While the thought of a spider bite can be alarming, it’s important to note that Joro spiders are relatively harmless to humans and pets. These spiders are more likely to be a cause for fascination than fear.
Bite Likelihood: Joro spiders are non-aggressive and tend to avoid human interaction. Bites typically occur only if the spider feels cornered or threatened.
Venom: The venom of Joro spiders is similar to that of other orb-weaver spiders and is not harmful to humans. Their fangs are often too small to penetrate human skin.
Symptoms: If a bite does occur, symptoms are usually mild, resembling a bee sting. This can include minor redness, swelling, and itching at the bite site. Allergic reactions are possible but rare.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Joro spiders are not a major threat to local ecosystems or human health. They are known to eat a wide variety of insects, including pests like mosquitoes, yellowjackets, and stink bugs, which could have some beneficial aspects in controlling these populations. However, their impact on native spider species and other local wildlife is still being studied.
David Coyle’s research indicates that Joro spiders are displacing some native species, although the reasons for this are not yet fully understood. They are adept at establishing themselves in new environments, with their ability to withstand cold temperatures making the northeastern U.S. a potential new home.
The media coverage of Joro spiders has sparked some public hysteria, reminiscent of the “murder hornet” scare. However, experts like Dr. Doug Tallamy from the University of Delaware and Michael Skvarla from Pennsylvania State University emphasize that while Joro spiders will eventually spread to the Northeast, they do not pose significant danger to humans or pets. Their arrival should be seen more as an ecological event rather than a cause for alarm.
For those who may encounter Joro spiders, it’s advised to relocate them using a broom or stick rather than killing them. They typically spin their webs outside homes rather than inside, making it easier to manage their presence without direct interaction.