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Boston.com readers have a lot of feelings about the Joro spider
“Grab the flamethrowers!”
When it comes to the giant flying Joro spider that has apparently made its way into Massachusetts, Boston.com readers are going through some things.
There was Molly from Amherst, for instance, who believes she found a Joro spider in the box when she “purchased a new Kohler toilet from Hadley Home Depot during tax-free weekend.” Or Mitch H. of Mentone, Indiana, who is afraid to visit his daughter in Springfield now because he has arachnophobia. (“I still will though, because we love our daughter and her new husband very much,” he clarified.)
Regardless, the majority of the more than 230 people who responded to our poll were experiencing spider anxiety: 41% confessed to the arrival of the Joro to be “among their worst nightmares,” with 29% saying they were at least “a little freaked out.” Only 23% expressed no concerns about the “super cool” arachnid.
Now that the giant, flying Joro spider has arrived in Boston, how freaked out are you?
Not at all, they're super cool
23%
I'm a little freaked out
29%
This is among my worst nightmares
41%
Other
6%
“One of the things I love about living in New England is because we don’t have much of anything too scary or harmful as far as bugs, reptiles, etc.,” wrote Marcel of Revere. “This is causing me anxiety at this very moment!” And Christine M. of Westboro had this simple piece of advice: “Grab the flamethrowers!”
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Of the folks unconcerned or even happy about the Joro hitting Boston, meanwhile, a surprising number mentioned the spider as a possible menu item. “I only need to know one thing about the Joro: Dry rub (lemon pepper, sage garlic), or traditional BBQ (Sweet Baby Ray’s, maple molasses)?” wrote “Gen-X Don’t Flinch” (of “Somewhere East”).
But at least one scientist wrote in to remind us that the spider’s intimidating appearance is not what we need to be worked up about. “This is a concern because the spiders do not belong here and will outcompete the native spiders that control pests and serve as food for other creatures,” wrote Dr. Margaret Turnbull of Boulder, Colorado.
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“This is not about being freaked out because the spider is large and scary,” Dr. Turnbull wrote. “It is about the fact that we will lose native biodiversity due to this infestation, and it will impact the economy. Those are legitimate, real concerns — people need to wake up to the reality of what’s happening. The media are turning this into a joke.”
THE JORO:
We take offense, but it seems at least one reader was appreciative of our approach. “I hate spiders no matter what, which is the reason why I decided to look for this news here, because I couldn’t watch it all on the TV news,” wrote Sueli T. of New Bedford. “Honestly, [Boston.com] has a very creative way of writing … instead of being so afraid of this Joro, now I’m laughing just thinking about it! Thank you so much for writing this with such a good sense of humor. I totally need it this morning.”
You’re very welcome, Sueli — bringing people and spider populations together is what we do. See what some readers had to say about the city’s new (and apparently now unaccounted for) resident below.
Totally freaked out:
“If I wanted to see giant, colorful spiders I’d move to Australia. And I’m never moving to Australia.” — Kristen, Maynard
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“Just the thought of blundering into one of their giant webs is enough to make me want to claw my skin off.” — Janet, Salem
“I hate spiders and the fact that it is a large spider AND FLIES!? I’ve made peace with the small spiders in and around my house, but this is a total nightmare for me.” — Lisa Gilgan, Plymouth
“Have been terrified by spiders all my life, even before I could talk! This is paralyzing!” — Casey F., St. Paul, Minnesota
“I know I am going to burn my house down if I ever see one inside.” — Garth B., Ashland
Somewhat freaked out:
“Do we have to call them Joro? Can we call them Jerry instead?” — Van L., Topsfield
“Healthy respect and an even healthier distance.” — L.M.E., Worcester
“While I don’t like spiders, the simple fact that warmer weather species are moving north so quickly is alarming on many levels.” — Joe, Wellesley
“Turkeys, coyotes, deer, and now spiders? Another of the invasive species coming to America. Sooner or later they are going to be problematic.” — Neal H., Sharon
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“Invasive large spider, just what we need. Hopefully the cold weather deters them.” — John, Shrewsbury
Not freaked out at all:
“I love spiders! My house has spider decor and I have a spider tattoo! When I’m lucky enough to get a spider visitor at home (they eat smaller bugs so they are helpful), I always catch and release. I hope to meet a Joro — they are gorgeous! 🖤🕷” — Sally S., Revere
“Not sure yet — depends on how they taste. I’ve had some delicious spiders, and this one looks tasty. We’ll see soon enough.” — Anonymous, Arlington
“With the lack of winter here in the Boston area, we can expect more southern species to make their way north. These creatures will follow the warmer temps and make their homes where the snow used to fall. Just another result of global warming…” — Jaden
“Invasive species in general are concerning and I want to see what happens when they start eating other critters. They could eat the lantern flies, that would be good. Other than that, they seem fun.” — ANC, Allston
“If they leave me alone I might not stomp on them.” — Rocco, Boston
Some responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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