Invasive Joro Spiders Spotted in Tennessee, Are They Dangerous?

Issue #117

13 Jun

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 89

🕸 Invasive Joro Spiders Spotted in Tennessee, Are They Dangerous?

🛠 Mt. Pleasant Improvements Begin

🚘 Friday: Cruisin’ The Co-op

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, June 13th

Friday, June 14th

Saturday, June 15th

Monday, June 17th

Tuesday, June 18th

  • Hampshire Farmers Market - 3:00 - 6:00 PM

  • Marine Corps League LCPL Andrew P. Carpenter Detachment 1286 - Monthly Meeting, Memorial Bldg, 308 West 7th (use parking lot in back of building). Contact here with questions. - 6:00 PM

Thursday, June 20th

Friday, June 21st

Saturday, June 22nd

Invasive Joro Spiders Spotted in Tennessee, Are They Dangerous?

Large, colorful, and invasive Joro spiders have been making their presence known in the U.S. Since 2014, these spiders have spread along the East Coast after first arriving in the United States through Georgia. They have also been spotted in some Tennessee regions.

The Joro spider, part of the orb-weaver family known for their wheel-shaped webs, originated in Asia. These spiders have narrow bodies and eight legs, with females potentially growing up to four inches. Their distinctive black and neon yellow coloring sets them apart. Experts don’t really know how they came to the United States but say it is possible that they could have hitched a ride in shipping containers.

While Joro spiders haven't spread extensively throughout the U.S., they have established themselves in the South, particularly in Georgia, South Carolina, and some parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and possibly Maryland.

Here are the latest locations based on information from iNaturalist.org.

Do they fly?

Regarding their supposed "flying" abilities, baby Joro spiders use a method called ballooning to float on the breeze using their silk. However, adult Joro spiders do not fly unless displaced from their perch.

Are Joro spiders dangerous to humans? 

Don’t worry, they’re harmless.

A University of Georgia study on Joro spiders found that their small mouthparts aren’t ideal for biting people. Smaller spiders like the Brown Recluse or Black Widow pose a greater danger to humans than the Joro.

Joro spiders are only deadly to their prey, which includes insects and small vertebrates such as lizards.

Mt. Pleasant Improvements Begin

The Mount Pleasant community gathered with city officials, local business leaders, and residents for the groundbreaking ceremony of the highly anticipated Downtown Improvement Project that started on June 3rd on Main Street.

This significant initiative, set to be completed by May 2025, aims to revitalize the downtown area and enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors. The Downtown Improvement Project will introduce a range of enhancements, including:

New Street Lights: Historical, energy-efficient street lighting will improve visibility and safety, creating a welcoming atmosphere for evening activities and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the downtown area.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Critical infrastructure improvements will ensure long-term sustainability and reliability, addressing current needs and future growth.

Increased Walkability: Sidewalk expansions and pedestrian-friendly pathways will promote walking, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage a healthier lifestyle for residents and visitors.

Beautification Efforts: Landscaping, public art installations, and other beautification projects will add to the charm and appeal of downtown, making it a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Main Street Director, Haverly Pennington, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The Downtown Improvement Project marks a new chapter for Mount Pleasant. These upgrades will enhance the beauty and functionality of our Main Street area and boost economic development and community engagement. We are excited to see these improvements' positive impact on our city."

The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Bill White, City Manager Kate Collier, and other key stakeholders, followed by a ceremonial ground turning to officially commence construction. Attendees had the opportunity to view project plans and ask questions.

The event marked the beginning of a brighter future for Mount Pleasant, and the community's strong turnout demonstrated widespread support for the project. For more information about the Downtown Improvement Project, please contact Haverly Pennington at [email protected].

Friday: Cruisin’ The Co-op

Get ready to rev your engines and enjoy a fantastic afternoon filled with classic cars, mouthwatering food trucks, and endless fun!

June 14, 2024
5-8 PM
United Farm and Home Co-op
975 Riverview Ln, Columbia

Bring your friends, family, and fellow car enthusiasts for an unforgettable event. See you there!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Thursday, June 13th
Taylor Hughes, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, June 14th
Tom Saffel & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Troy Kemp, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, June 15th
Jazz Brunch w/ Rick Armentrout "The Unforgetables”, Puckett's, 10 AM - 2 PM
Bald Kernal, Highland Realm Blueberry Bash, 4 PM
Khris Glaring, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Tristate Ramblers, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Polly's Pocket, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, June 16th
Jack Cassidy, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Brandon Bartley, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 6-8 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk

TedsWoodworking Plans and Projects