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Originally Posted On: https://www.bredapest.com/blog/joro-spider-ask-breda

Have you stumbled upon a big yellow spider with a giant web in your backyard?

We love providing Metro Atlanta homeowners with superior pest control service and top-notch information on how to combat common insects and critters in Georgia. But we also know that sometimes you just have a random question you’d love a quick answer for.

If you’ve got a critter question, reach out to us on Facebook and Instagram with your question and use the hashtag #AskBREDA. Then check back to the blog each month to see if we tackle your question!

Question: What is this giant yellow spider and is it dangerous?

We have gotten so many questions about this creepy crawler and he’s even been popping up in the local news. This is trichonephila clavata, also known as the Jorō spider, an Asian species of arachnid that was first spotted in northeast Georgia in 2013. You likely noticed this spider for its unique markings and its size, as these insects can get up to four inches across. Joro spiders build multi-level webs to capture their prey and the webs themselves have a golden sheen.

The Joro spider is not dangerous to humans. However, it is a predator to a wide variety of insects, including the stink bug. (Which we doubt you’re complaining about!) You will likely find these spiders clustered together outside your home and near the edge of wooded areas. They only live for one year, but in that time, females can lay up 1,500 eggs, which is how and why these spiders are popping up more and more each year.

Even though they don’t pose a threat to humans, we understand they’re a bit disconcerting to look at and you are probably looking for a way to get rid of them. You can simply sweep away their webs with a broom but understand that this is a temporary remedy. These spiders are stubborn and as their increased growth has made very apparent, they are here to stay.

If you want to learn more about the Joro spider, we recommend watching this video from LoneWolf Outdoor Films for an amusing yet informative introduction.

If you find yourself needing spider extermination services, don’t hesitate to contact us today!