Caldwell County Agriculture Agent Shane Bogle shared some information recently about the flying spiders that have likely caught your attention on social media as they make their way up the East Coast.
He explains that the flying spider is an invasive species in the United States.
click to download audioHe mentioned that the flying spiders were first detected in Georgia and have since spread to other states.
click to download audioHe noted that, as with many spider species, the male and female look quite different.
click to download audioHowever, Bogle explained that these spiders do not fly; instead, they are carried by the wind on a silk thread.
click to download audioFurthermore, he said they pose very little hazard to humans. However, like all spiders, they are equipped with venom, which is much weaker compared to other species.
click to download audioAdditionally, Bogle explained that it’s important to consider pests from all scientific angles. He noted that this spider has some beneficial qualities, such as eating mosquitoes, moths, and even some invasive species like the spotted lanternfly.
He mentioned that these spiders are most annoying in late summer and early fall when they have reached maturity and their webs become more prevalent.
click to download audioCurrently, Bogle said the flying spiders have not been found in Kentucky, but they are present in neighboring states, indicating the potential for them to arrive in the commonwealth soon.
He explained that the key takeaway is that some brightly colored spiders have been appearing in local gardens and landscaping and have been misidentified as flying spiders. He clarified that these are likely one of two species: the black and yellow garden spider or the banded garden spider.
For more information about the flying spiders, contact the Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Office in Princeton.
