Let’s talk about the spider Joro.
As you’ve probably heard by now, a large, yellow, invasive flying spider is on its way to New Jersey. Native to East Asia, Joro spiders have been spotted in several southern states and are soon expected to inhabit the northeastern United States.
They can grow quite large, with a leg span of up to four inches, and they can spin webs that stretch up to 12 feet in diameter.
One of their methods of travel is called hot air ballooning, where they release a strand of silk and are carried by the wind, flying from place to place in whichever direction the wind takes them.
To many, arachnophobes and otherwise, a large flying spider can certainly seem scary. However, there’s really no reason to worry.
Why you should NOT be afraid of the Joro spider
Although Joro spiders are venomous, they pose no danger to you or your pets. No people have been bitten by Joro spiders and it has been reported that their mandibles are not even strong enough to pierce human skin.
Plus, even if they spin webs outside your house, they don’t want to go inside. In fact, they’re quite shy, according to a University of Georgia study.
“Don’t get me wrong, they are very harmful, and a lot of people find large spiders scary, and I completely understand that, but they don’t seem to pose any imminent danger to people or pets,” said the Dr. David Coyle, an entomologist at Clemson University, told NorthJersey.com in November.
Before we start harping on New Jersey’s new eight-legged friends, let’s take a look at a few creatures that already call the state home.
Here are some of the creepiest, creepiest, creepiest creatures in New Jersey that aren’t the Joro spider.
Ticks
New Jersey has three common species of ticks, including the blacklegged (deer) tick, the lone star tick, and the American dog tick, all three of which can transmit various diseases to humans.
One of the most common and well-known diseases is Lyme disease, caused by blacklegged ticks. According to the CDC, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection with various symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system.
Other diseases that can be spread by ticks include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, there are steps you can take to avoid tick bites, including:
- Know where the ticks are; They usually live near wooded or grassy areas
- Keeping Your Yard Clean
- Repel ticks with an EPA-registered repellent
- Checking your body and that of your children after being outside
- Quickly remove ticks with tweezers
- Cover up with long sleeves and pants tucked into socks to prevent ticks from penetrating under clothing
- Take a shower within two hours of going out
- Check animals daily and use anti-tick products
Poisonous snakes
There are two venomous snakes found in New Jersey. These snakes are the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.
According to the NJDEP, Northern Copperheads are found in the northern region of the state in rocky fields, berry thickets, forests, farmlands and old mulch piles. If you encounter a copperhead, it is important to keep your distance. Although no one has died from a copperhead bite in New Jersey, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
Timber rattlesnakes are found in rocky, wooded areas of northern New Jersey and the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. As with copperheads, no one has ever died from a rattlesnake bite in New Jersey, but you should keep your distance because they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
According to the NJDEP, if you are bitten by a venomous snake, you should try to remain as calm as possible and immediately call 911. Do not try to drive to the hospital.
Black Widow Spiders
Two species of black widows live in New Jersey, including the northern black widow and the southern black widow. According to USA Spiders, the black widow is one of the most famous and feared spiders.
According to National Geographic, black widow bites can be fatal, but are fortunately very rare. If you are bitten, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Spotted fly
Another species of concern and invasive is the spotted lanternfly, which has made headlines in New Jersey over the past two years.
Although spotted flies are not dangerous to humans, they pose a serious threat to New Jersey plants, crops and trees as they feed on them, causing devastating damage.
So while the Joro spider seems a little scary, there are plenty of other things to worry about in New Jersey, from snakes to spiders to ticks, all of which could be hiding right in your garden.