The bright yellow and blue Joro spiders are now a part of everyday life in Georgia. From Atlanta porches to North Georgia trails, their wide golden webs are hard to miss this fall.
What’s Happening: Researchers say Joro numbers have exploded over the last three years. A University of Georgia study found that in metro Atlanta parks, their population doubled each year between 2022 and 2024. This year, their webs will stretch cross trees, doorways, and even power lines.
Joros are large, showy orb-weaver spiders. Females can reach the size of a human palm, and their webs often span ten feet. But experts stress they pose little danger. Their venom is mild, bites are rare, and any reaction is usually no worse than a bee sting.
Between the Lines: Scientists are still watching how this invasion will play out. Some evidence shows native orb-weaver spiders are disappearing in areas where Joros are dense. Researchers believe the Joros may be outcompeting them for space and food. At the same time, Joros are feeding on invasive pests like stink bugs, giving them a mixed role in the ecosystem.
Catch Up Quick: The spiders first showed up in Georgia about a decade ago, likely after hitching a ride from East Asia in a shipping container. Since then, they have spread through north and central Georgia. Their young use silk “balloons” to float on the wind, helping them colonize new areas. Adults show up in late summer and fall, with egg sacs carrying them through winter into spring.
The Ripple Effect: Even if Joros don’t harm people, their sheer numbers matter. Big webs change how people enjoy backyards, trails, and playgrounds. Their rise may also shift food chains, reducing native spiders and altering what birds and other animals eat. And because they tolerate cold weather, scientists warn Joros will likely keep moving north, becoming a regular sight across much of the United States.
The Bottom Line: For Georgians, the Joro is no longer a strange newcomer. It is now a fixture of fall. Residents will need to get used to brushing past their webs, spotting them on porches, and wondering what this flashy spider means for the state’s natural balance.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
