The Joro spider, originally from Asia, has been spotted in the United States, particularly in Georgia. Its distinctive feature is a parachute-like ability, using its silk to catch the wind and travel long distances. While they’re not considered harmful to humans and can even help control pests, their large size and abundance can be alarming. Here are some key points to know:

1. Origin and Spread: Joro spiders are native to Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan, but have been found in the southeastern U.S., likely introduced through cargo or plant shipments.
2. Appearance and Behavior: These spiders are large, with striking yellow markings on their abdomens. They prefer wooded areas and create large communal webs, which can be up to ten feet wide.
3. Parachuting Ability: Joro spiders can disperse over long distances by ballooning, using silk threads to catch the wind and travel. This behavior enables them to rapidly colonize new areas.
4. Not a Threat to Humans: While their size and abundance may be intimidating, Joro spiders are not venomous and generally avoid humans. They primarily feed on insects and can even help control pests like mosquitoes.
5. Management and Control: Experts recommend monitoring their population, especially in areas where they’re newly established. While it’s challenging to eradicate them completely, maintaining their natural predators and minimizing artificial light at night can help manage their numbers.

Overall, while Joro spiders may be disconcerting due to their size and parachuting ability, they pose minimal risk to humans and can even provide ecological benefits.