Giant Spiders Expected To Drop From The Sky This Spring

Remember when everyone was afraid of murder hornets back in 2020? Well, spring 2022 has something even scarier in store: Apparently, giant spiders will be “ballooning” down from the sky in the next couple of months, according to researchers from the University of Georgia.

Wait, What?

Unfortunately, you read that right. Large Joro spiders — which are brightly colored and about the size of a child’s hand — are expected to appear up and down the east coast as early as May, Axios reported.

Where Did They Come From?

According to NPR, this species of spider is native to Japan but began appearing in the U.S. in 2013, mostly around Georgia. Since then, they’ve spread out by using their webs as parachutes to travel on the wind. They can also hitch a ride on travelers.

Are The Spiders Dangerous?

The large Joro spider may look positively nightmarish, but researchers say it is harmless to humans despite being venomous. The reason? They don’t bite unless cornered. And even then, their fangs are too small to break the skin. (Shudder.)

How Many Spiders Are Coming?

Millions. Researcher Andy Davis, who authored the UGA spider study, told Axios he isn’t certain how far the spiders will drift, but they could be seen as far north as Delaware. Their ability to survive cold weather also contributes to their sprawl.

Where Will They Land?

You might spot a large Joro spider’s web in a tree, tangled up in power lines, or even settled on your porch, according to UGA Today.

Is This Bad For Us?

Apart from being a worst-case scenario for anyone with arachnophobia, Joros aren’t harmful to the environment either, UGA Today reported. In fact, Davis said the spiders might serve as a great food source for birds.

What Can You Do?

Pretty much nothing. Since there’s no way to stop the spread of Joros, it’s recommended that you leave them alone. If you spot a web, push it out of the way and continue on with your day — however icky it may be.