The Joro spider (Nephila clavata) is an invasive species of spider native to Japan that has been spreading throughout the eastern United States in recent years. It is a web-spinning spider, meaning it builds a web to capture prey. While they are not dangerous to humans, they can cause damage to structures and homes and create health risks to people and pets. This article will provide an overview of the Joro spider infestation, its habits and behaviors, its geographic range, and the impact it has on structures and health. We will also cover prevention and control methods, as well as an overview of the resources available to help homeowners.
The Joro Spider Infestation
The Joro spider is considered an invasive species because it is not native to the United States. It was first recorded in the United States in 2012, in Maryland and Virginia on the East Coast. Since then, the infestation has spread along the coast to New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. The spiders can be found in many urban settings, and they have been known to build their webs in areas such as tree branches, under eaves, and around windows and doors.
Habits and Behaviors
The Joro spider is a large, web-spinning spider, with a body length of up to 1.5 inches. They are usually brown or black in color, with a white stripe running across the back of their abdomen. They spin large, circular webs, usually with a diameter of 1-2 feet. The webs are composed of several concentric circles of silk threads that are anchored to the structure they are attached to. The spider will wait in the center of the web and capture passing prey.
Identification
The Joro spider is easily identifiable by its large size and the presence of a white stripe running across its abdomen. Additionally, it is the only web-spinning spider found in the United States that has a black and white pattern on its back.
Geographic Range
The Joro spider is believed to have originated in Japan, and it is now found along the East Coast of the United States, from Maryland to Massachusetts. It has also been found in other parts of the United States, including Texas, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Impact of the Joro Spider Infestation
While the Joro spider is not considered dangerous to humans, it can cause structural damage to buildings and homes, as well as create health risks to people and pets. The webs they build can block light, interfere with ventilation, and cause damage to windows, doors and walls. Additionally, their webs can trap insects, and some of these insects can cause health problems, such as allergies and asthma.
Prevention and Control
Just like bed bugs, the best way to prevent and control a Joro spider infestation is to hire a professional pest control service. They can identify and remove the spider webs, as well as provide advice on how to prevent the spiders from returning. Additionally, homeowners can take steps to prevent the spiders from infesting their homes, such as sealing cracks and crevices, keeping the area around their home free of debris, and regularly vacuuming and cleaning.
Conclusion
The Joro spider is an invasive species that has been spreading throughout the eastern United States in recent years. It is a web-spinning spider that can cause structural damage and create health risks to people and pets. Professional pest control services can help to identify and remove the spiders and their webs, while homeowners can take steps to prevent them from returning. For more information on the Joro spider, there are many resources available online.