ATLANTA — Georgians should be familiar with the big yellow Joro spider that's found its home in the Peach State in the last decade, but many visiting or not from here may be wondering if the spider is venomous.
THE QUESTION
Are Joro Spiders venomous or otherwise harmful to humans and pets?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Joro spiders are not dangerous to humans. Their presence in Georgia is not a cause for alarm, and they can contribute positively to the environment by managing insect populations.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to experts at 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.