Giant venomous flying spiders native to Japan and other parts of Asia are invading the United States.

Last January, the New Jersey Pest Control issued a warning that Joro spiders were coming to New Jersey. After reportedly infiltrating the Southeastern part of the U.S., its invasion would continue into a northward trajectory, making it possible for the spiders to arrive in New Jersey very soon.

The organization also left a message, saying, "If you face any pest-related challenges, including potential encounters with the Joro spider as it enters New Jersey, contact NJ Pest Control."

Prior to this notice, University of Georgia research scientist Andy Davis told the New York Times in December 2023 that "New York is right in the middle of where they [the Joro spiders] like to be."

At the time, an ecologist and Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University named José Ramírez-Garofalo said in a different interview with SI Live: "Right now, we are seeing them dispersing into Maryland, so soon enough, possibly even next year, they should be in New Jersey and New York."

"It is a matter of when, not if."

The Joro spiders reportedly first appeared in the U.S. -- specifically in Georgia -- about 10 years ago. Since then, they have spread to Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland and West Virginia.

Per NJ Pest Control, the Joro spider invasion in the U.S. was speculated to have begun when the spiders were unintentionally transported to the country via cargo shipments, international trade, or personal travel.

With their strong adaptability to different environments, they have reportedly established themselves successfully in the Southeast.

The Joro spiders are about the size of a Post-it note, move with their eight long, tentacle-like legs and eat spotted lanternflies, per NY Times.

Aside from being "really good at hitchhiking on cars and trucks," the Joros spread by "ballooning" or shooting a thread that carries them along through air currents.

But while these arachnids are venomous, they don't pose a threat to humans. Their venom is reportedly reserved for critters like butterflies, cockroaches, wasps and native spiders.

"We have no evidence that they've done any damage to a person or a pet," said David Coyle, an invasive species expert.

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New york, New jersey