While the Joro spider has been making headlines for its ability to travel far distances and its distinctive look, there are other eight-legged pests to watch out for in Delaware this summer.
Here are some creepy-crawlies to look out for and how to prevent spiders from invading your home.
What is the Joro spider?
The Joro spider may not be an immediate threat to Delaware, but it’s still worth keeping an eye out.
The arachnid known as the Joro spider has been taking over areas in the Southeastern United States since around 2013 when it invaded from its native East Asia.
Joro spiders can be up to 3 to 4 inches in length with dark blue and yellow stripes and a red abdomen. Females and males differ in size and coloring, with the female spiders generally being slightly larger.
Is the Joro spider coming to Delaware?
What makes the Joro spider unique is its ability to move through a process called “ballooning,” in which the spider expels its gold-colored silk to catch air currents, allowing them to essentially fly through the air — sometimes reaching distances of up to 100 miles.
A recent release from the New Jersey Pest Control hypothesized that Joro spiders could make their way up to the New York area sometime this year due to their ability to travel long distances and adapt to different climates.
Brian Kunkel, ornamental entomologist at the University of Delaware, stresses that there is no immediate reason for concern for Delaware residents.
"[The Joro spider] is making its way towards Delaware, but people shouldn't be concerned," Kunkel said.
While the spider could be transported accidentally by human travel, it's unlikely to Kunkel that it will make its Delaware debut this year.
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Are Joro spiders dangerous?
Luckily, these spiders are not harmful to humans. While they can technically bite, scientific research concludes that they have “no interest” in biting humans. If someone happens to get bitten, it will feel more like a bee-sting: irritable, but tolerable.
However, they have the potential to impose consequences on local ecosystems.
Joro spiders reportedly can eat whatever insect happens to fly their way into the spiders’ large webbing.
In their native East Asian habitat, Joro spiders act as “pest controllers,” feeding on pests like mosquitoes and flies. In the United States, that can pose a risk for local food chains.
“I would imagine that they are probably able to out-compete some of our native spiders,” Kunkel said. “But I would tend to think it probably would not cause any local extinctions.”
To Kunkel, the biggest threat the Joro spider poses to Delaware is the sheer nuisance factor of their large webs.
“With substantially high populations, webbing would be everywhere and it could make a mess of things, but they’re still not a health risk to anyone,” Kunkel said.
What other spiders are in Delaware?
While it may not yet be the time to worry about the Joro spider intruding on your home or garden, there are other spiders that have been known to appear in Delaware that potentially could cause more severe consequences.
According to Integrity Pest Solutions, a pest control company based in Georgetown, Delaware is one habitat of the commonly known venomous spider the black widow spider.
Black widow spiders, often found in dark, sheltered, undisturbed areas around the home, are about half as large as the Joro spider. But their venom is known to attack the human nervous system, causing pain, swelling and skin irritation at the bite’s location.
Children, seniors and people with chronic health conditions are more susceptible to the black widow’s venom.
Another spider known to call Delaware home is the brown recluse spider. True to its name, brown recluse spiders tend to prefer staying hidden and can be found in spaces like storage areas, closets, basem*nts and garages.
These brown and hairy spiders usually have a violin-shaped marking on their abdomens. These spiders’ venom is known to be even more dangerous than rattlesnake venom.
By attacking human tissues and cells, it can cause tissue destruction and a significant immune reaction. Although these attacks have occurred in Delaware, it is not thought to be common in the First State.
If you’ve ever had a spider bite before, it’s likely been at the hand of the yellow sac spider. They’re commonly found across the country in leaf litter, grass, bushes but can also enter homes through unsealed doors and screens.
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How you can protect your home
Most spiders, including the Joro spider, tend to prefer outdoor environments, but according to Clemson researchers, also may build a web on the outside of a home. If this is the case, it’s easy enough to use a broom and sweep the spider off or call a local pest control agency so it can build its web elsewhere.
Be wary of dark or hidden spaces, and always call a pest control specialist if you encounter an infestation or are unsure of the species you're encountering.
More tips to keep spiders away out of your house
According to the National Pest Management Association, here are some more tips to keep spiders and other pests out of your home.
- Make sure you seal cracks and holes outside of the home, including any entry points for utilities and pipes.
- Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house
- Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly
- Repair damaged roof shingles or deteriorating wood, which can attract certain pests
Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her atmmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter@mollymcvety.
