Giant “Flying” Spiders Are Spreading Across the U.S.—Could Michigan Be Next?

I love living in Michigan for a great number of reasons. One of them that I don't have to deal with giant spiders like places like Florida and Australia do.

However, that may soon change...

What Are Joro Spiders and Why Are They Spreading?

Giant, 'flying' spiders the size of your hand are making their way across the US. So, basically my nightmare fuel.

These monstrosities are called Joro spiders, and they can be spotted by their bright yellow and black colors, large size, and golden webs. They are native to Asia and they likely arrived in the US via shipping containers.

Where Joro Spiders Have Been Found So Far

These palm-sized (or larger) spiders first showed up in Georgia around 2013-2014. Since then, they've spread to ten other states:

• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Tennessee
• Alabama
• Maryland
• West Virginia
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• New York
• Massachusetts

How do these guys spread so far? Through a process called "ballooning", where young spiders release a thread of silk and use that to catch the wind to their next destination.

Could Joro Spiders Make It to Michigan?

As of right now, Joro Spiders haven't made their way to Michigan. But experts say it's not a matter of "if", but "when". The spiders are spreading north, and it turns out they're pretty good at surviving in the cold. Not only that, but they tolerate loud vibrations and noises, so they can handle living in more populated areas.

Are Joro Spiders Actually Dangerous?

At the end of the day, while these giant spiders seem downright terrifying, experts maintain they don't pose a threat to humans. While they are venomous, it's no where near the level of a Black Widow for a Brown Recluse. If you're bitten, the most you'd get is an allergic reaction. Just avoid picking them up and you should be all good because even though they look all big and bad, they're generally shy and non-aggressive.

READ ALSO: Do You Need to Worry About Venomous Spiders in Michigan?

Dangerous or not, the day they come to Michigan is the day I start living in a bubble.