Invasive Joro spider spotted in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

BUCKS COUNTY, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Researchers have spotted the invasive Joro spider in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Joro spiders, or Trichonephila clavata, are black and yellow, about the size of your palm and can grow up to four inches.

The University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species confirmed the sighting on September 5.

Action News first told you about the spread of the species in June.

The Joro spider is a native of Asia and is non-aggressive.

The spider is venomous, but its fangs cannot break human skin. So while it is advised to kill certain invasive species such as the spotted lantern fly, the Joros can be left alone, said author Andy Davis, a research scientist at the University of Georgia's Odum School of Ecology.

When it is young, it can float through the air on balloons of spider silk.

"Joro spiders utilize a technique known as ballooning, where they release silk threads into the air, allowing them to be carried by the wind," the NJ Pest Control explained to Action News.

Scientists do not expect a large invasion. The species were first spotted in the United States around 2013, according to a University of Georgia news release.

"Every September and October there's a new batch of sightings in a new state and everybody freaks out," Davis said.

Davis said the spiders have filled his backyard in the Peach State.

"They don't really attack people. They aren't really as scary as what they look like," he said.

It's possible the spiders hitched a ride to our region.

"The species here seems to be really, really good at hitchhiking on cars, and that's probably why you have a sighting," he said.

While they aren't harmful to humans, some people in Bucks County say they aren't exactly welcome either.

"I was like no, you can take that back please. We don't need that," said Yesenia Burke of Bensalem.

These spiders are hearty. While many species die off in cold temperatures, we could see them last through harsher winters like here in Pennsylvania and even further north.

If you happen to see one and want to report it to researchers, you can visit www.jorowatch.org.