The "Get Ready For An Onslaught of Jorō Spiders!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  That was until I opened my computer and began reading about a flying, venomous spider that is trending on google as numerous outlets report that the invasive Jorō spider may be landing in New Jersey soon.  But, what about my home state of Pennsylvania?  Could the spiker also end up here?  Well, a Penn State extension paper that was published in 2022 said it's possible.  Right off the bat, the paper points out that while the spiders are venomous, they are harmless to people.  Yeah...Right!!  Joro spiders are reluctant to bite and the venom is weak....allegedly!   The spiders are native to east Asia, but they have gained a foothold in America's South.  They've been found as far notes as Maryland.  In short, researchers think the spiders could survive in Pennsylvania.  Should we ask them?  "In their native range, Jerō spiders can be found in relative cold areas - the average January temperature of northern Honshu, Japan, is 25-32 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to most of Pennsylvania.  So, it is likely that thy will be able to spread throughout eastern North America at least as far north as Pennsylvania and possibly further in warmer, coastal areas," The Penn State Extension paper states.  Adult female Jorō spiders have bodies that are up to an inch long, and a leg span of. up tp 4 inches.  "The opisthosoma (abdomen) is cylindrical, with bright yellow with  gray-blue pattern with a large red mark on the center.

The Jorō spider.  Neat looking insect, but we already have to many!

The legs are black with yellow bands," the paper states.  The male spiders are much smaller and duller in color.  Body lengths are typically about 3 inches.  Jorō slides used a technique know as "ballooning" to fly through the air.  This is one reason the spiders have been able to spread so quickly.  It's thought that the spiders were accidentally introduced, possibly through shipping containers or potted-plant material.  They were first found in thee counties in Georgi in 2014.  So.....what can we do about them heading in our direction in Pennsylvania?  I searched for an answer, but found none.  I searched my computer as to handle these spiders, but have found no answers!  Perhaps they will not arrive, but if they do, someone...or something will have to find an answer to get rid of them.  It's not like we don't already provide a good home for hundreds of other bugs and insects.  We don't want anymore!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.