The internet and social media are great for spreading information quickly. However, sometimes misinformation spreads just as quickly – especially if there is a sensation headline like “Flying, Venomous Spider Invades Georgia”.
Headlines like these have prompted the University of Georgia to reiterate that the Joro Spider in question is not deadly – and it doesn’t actually fly.
From the University of Georgia,
Joro spiders are not dangerous to humans. Their venom is not harmful to humans and their fangs are often too small to puncture human skin. The Georgia DNR confirms that these spiders pose no threat to people or pets, and their presence in the ecosystem could even be beneficial by helping to control pest populations.
Joro spiders (Trichonephila clavata), native to East Asia, have been spreading across Georgia since their first sighting in 2014. The University of Georgia’s research reveals that these spiders likely arrived in North America via shipping containers.
While Joro spiders can bite if provoked, they are generally non-aggressive. The Georgia Department of Agriculture states that their venom is similar to that of other orb-weaver spiders, causing no significant harm to humans. Any bite might result in minor redness and swelling, similar to a bee sting.
The Georgia DNR confirms that these spiders pose no threat to people or pets, and their presence in the ecosystem could even be beneficial by helping to control pest populations.
Also, the Joro spider doesn’t “fly” but does drop from heights and “parachute” through the air.
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