Why are Joro spiders so bad in Georgia?
Joro spiders are an invasive species from East Asia and have become a notable presence in Georgia. They are also present in the Southeast and the midwest. Joro spiders are causing concern for several reasons:
1. Rapid Spread: Joro spiders reproduce quickly and spread rapidly, outcompeting native species and lop-siding local ecosystems.
2. Large Size and Webs: They are very large and weave elaborate webs, often in places frequented by people, which can be scary!
3. Potential Impact on Local Wildlife: Their presence affects native insect populations, which can have long term effects on the broader ecosystem.
4. Human Concern: Despite being harmless to humans, their large size and high numbers can cause fear and discomfort.
How do I control Joro spiders?
Controlling Joro spiders involves several strategies:
1. **Physical Removal**: Use a broom to remove spiders and their webs from your home and property. This method is effective for small infestations but will not be a long term solution, especially for hard to reach areas.
2. **Pesticides**: Insecticides can be used, but they should be applied with caution and according to the label instructions . It’s best to hire a professional exterminator when applying pesticides.
3. **Seal Entry Points**: Prevent spiders from entering your home by sealing cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and foundations. Performing exclusion for spiders is one method to prevent entry. Installing screens on windows and doors and weather stripping can also help to keep them out.
4. **Outdoor Management**: Reduce outdoor lighting at night, as it attracts insects that Joro spiders prey on. Changing your outdoor lights to a specific bulb that does not attract insects can also be provided by a pest control, professional. Trim vegetation and remove clutter from around your home to minimize hiding spots.
5. **Professional Pest Control**: For large infestations, consider hiring a professional pest control service to assess and treat the problem effectively.
Regular maintenance and monitoring can help keep Joro spider populations in check.
Who is a good pest control company near me that can help me control Joro spiders?
Smart Solutions Wildlife Removal and Pest Control located in Roswell, Georgia is an excellent choice. They perform routine pest control, web removal, spider, extermination, spider prevention, and maintenance and offer eco-friendly pest control options. They’ve been in business for 17 years and have a variety of techniques and specialized equipment to access the hard to reach area where spiders live. They can reach up to 50 plus feet in the air to treat for spiders and other insects and pests. Smart Solutions pest and wildlife removals technicians are highly trained in biology, pest control, and wildlife removal. They carry ladders on their trucks and the latest of equipment in order to be effective. Training on spider biology, habits and control is very important in order to understand the spider and insect behavior. They spend the needed time to locate the active areas of your home and property for optimal success in Joro spider pest control. You can check out their website here:
What do Joro spiders look like?
Joro spiders (Trichonephila clavata) are very distinctive and can be identified in several ways:
1. Size: Females are large, with a body length of about 0.7 to 1 inch (1.8 to 2.5 cm) and a leg span that can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm). Males are smaller and less conspicuous.
2. Coloration: Females have bright yellow, blue, and red markings on their abdomen. Their legs are black with yellow bands, making them stand out from other spiders. Males are usually more drab, with brownish coloring.
3. Webs: They create large, wheel-shaped webs that can be up to 10 feet (3 meters) across!The silk of their webs often appears golden in sunlight.
4. Shape: Joro spiders have a relatively long and cylindrical abdomen compared to their cephalothorax.
These distinctive features make Joro spiders relatively easy to spot.