Clemson, S.C. - Joro spiders, large yellow spiders native to Asia, have been found to be rapidly spreading across large parts of the United States, including South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, according to a recent study conducted by researchers.

Thought to have arrived in America over a decade ago through shipping containers, Joro spiders have now established a range spanning at least 120,000 kilometers. Their ability to "parachute" using their webs and their noticeable size have caused concern among many, although these orb-weaving spiders are relatively harmless to humans.

The study, led by Clemson scientist and assistant professor David Coyle in collaboration with other scientists, aimed to assess the extent of Joro spider proliferation. The findings revealed that the spiders have successfully established themselves in the region and are spreading at an alarming rate.

Coyle shared his findings, stating, "I walked the edge of the woods - and they were everywhere. I have a 94-yard perimeter and found 50 Joro spiders on the perimeter. So, basically, every two yards there was a spider."

The research also indicated that a significant portion of the continent provides a suitable habitat for Joro spiders, enabling them to travel and expand their range further north. Populations of Joros have already been identified in Maryland.

"Our data shows that this spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S.," Coyle explained. "It shows that their comfort area in their native range matches up very well with much of North America."

The study led by Coyle, along with Southern Adventist University Professor David Nelsen, also discovered that the presence of Joro spiders is displacing native species. If Joro spiders dominate an area, other spider populations are scarce.

"These spiders don't seem to care what gets in their web; they're just as likely to eat brown marmorated stink bugs as they are to eat a Monarch butterfly," Coyle highlighted. He emphasized that considering them more beneficial than other spiders is incorrect, as Joros consume any prey caught in their webs regardless of its rarity or ecological importance.

While Joros are not known to actively invade homes, preferring to construct webs outside of houses and other structures, physical removal is the recommended method for managing infestations. Coyle suggests using a stick or broom to relocate the spiders rather than resorting to pesticides, which can harm other beneficial insects.

"It's just as easy to physically move them if they are on your house," Coyle advised. "Pesticides work, but they are probably overkill because it will kill everything else, and there is a cost involved."

As Joro spiders continue their unchecked spread, scientists and residents alike are advised to monitor and address the issue promptly to mitigate potential ecological imbalances.