While the news has been full of stories about how Joro spiders are about to take over, people in New Jersey have been worried and confused about their appearance. But it’s important to tell the difference between fact and myth and know what’s really going on here.
David Coyle, an expert from Clemson University, says that there is no solid proof that Joro spiders are living in New Jersey right now. Studies show that they might be able to live in the northeastern U.S., but it’s still not clear when they will actually get there.
The “Joro zone” that exists now is mostly made up of southern states like Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Even though the number of these spiders has been growing, especially in the last few years, they probably won’t move to New Jersey any time soon. It could take years, or even longer.
People are worried about the Joro spider’s size and poisonous nature, but experts like Coyle say they don’t pose much of a threat to people or pets. Even though they are bigger than normal and have poison, they are not very dangerous because they are calm and don’t attack.
Joro spiders do not “fly” in the normal sense, despite what some accounts say. Young spiders instead use a method called “ballooning,” in which they use silk threads to catch the wind and move short distances. This way is usually used by spiderlings, though, and it doesn’t pose a big threat to people.
As people continue to talk about the possibility of Joro spiders living in New Jersey, it’s important to rely on correct information and the opinions of experts in order to effectively address any worries. Even though the idea of a spider invasion might make the news, it’s important to know what’s really going on to keep a fair view.