Giant Venomous Spiders Could Invade New York This Summer

About ten years ago while I was on vacation in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, I was startled by an enormous spider that was on the side of the vacation home we were renting. This was, by far, the largest spider I had ever seen!

I was reassured that this spider was only found in the south and there was nothing to worry about ever seeing it in New York state. Well, until now!

What Is This Gigantic Spider?

These are black and yellow Joro spiders. Some can be as big as eight inches across and are venomous spiders. They originally came to the United States in shipping containers from Asia and are found in the southern states.

Why & How Are They Coming To New York State?

The Joro spider is also known as the "ballooning spider". The nickname comes from using their webs as parachutes to attach themselves to outer surfaces like on a house. Many researchers have seen them parachuting onto car roofs according to The New York Post. So in essence they are getting a free ride up I-95 on snowbirds' cars.

Are These Spiders Dangerous or Deadly?

The Jono spider is venomous but it mainly eats anything that is trapped in its web. It is typically never found inside a home but attaches to the outside. There is no need to panic because this spider's venom is not harmful to humans. Its fangs are too small and it can't puncture skin.