A Spider You Might Not Want to Eliminate

The Fruit Cove area has a new resident spider species. The Joro spider, native to Asia, could be hitchhiking its way into your backyard.

Unlike some of our native spider species, the Joro spider can be helpful by eating other insects around your home. Their size makes them a great predator, and since they are not a threat to humans or pets, they could be better left alone. John Brueggen, director of St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, fears that native banana spiders will be killed off, due to unwarranted fear of the Joro spider. They not only eat tiny pests, like mosquitoes and midges, but the much larger brown marmorated stink bug!

First spotted in neighboring Georgia in 2014, it’s bringing mosquito control Fruit Cove to a whole new level. Scientists believe this non-native spider is spreading so rapidly across Fruit Cove and Southern states due to being resistant to cold temperatures. Also, the spider is able to travel quickly due to a behavior called “ballooning,” when the spider uses their silks to carry them across the wind to new locations. They also use cars to hitch a ride, with drivers unknowingly transferring the Joro across state lines. Talk about a freeloading hitchhiker!

Although these arachnids may look menacing, it’s important to remember they’re harmless. They help keep mosquitoes and other insect pests under control without chemicals. Let them be. They can become Protectors of your gardens. Score another win for mosquito control Fruit Cove.

Joro Spiders Alone Are Not Effective Mosquito Control in Fruit Cove

Many spider species eat mosquitoes. Some spiders even feed on spider carcasses. Though large, capable spiders, Joro spiders are not the be-all-and-end-all of mosquito control in Fruit Cove, Florida. By adding proven mosquito control Fruit Cove protection to your outdoors and following the 7 Ts of mosquito control Fruit Cove, you won’t have to rely on the Joro spider to get rid of pesky Fruit Cove mosquitoes. Remember to:

Tip: Get rid of standing water in your outdoor spaces. That includes water in your child’s plastic toys, areas underneath downspouts, plant saucers, or dog bowls.

Toss: Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood, and grass-clippings from your yard as they retain the moisture that mosquitoes love.

Turn: Turn over larger yard items that could hold water, like children's portable sandboxes, plastic toys, or birdbaths.

Remove Tarps: If tarps stretched over firewood piles, boats, or sports equipment aren't taut, they may be holding water that you should remove.

Take Care: Take care of home maintenance needs that can lead to standing water. Clean out gutters, make sure downspouts are adequately attached, keep your grass cut low, and check irrigation systems for leaks.

Team Up: Despite taking all precautions in your own home and yard, talking to neighbors is a necessary component to mosquito control Fruit Cove. Homes with little space between lots can mean that mosquitoes breed at a neighbor’s house and affect your property.

Treat: Utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around your home and yard.

Choose Tried and True Mosquito Control in Fruit Cove

Our mosquito control Fruit Cove customers love Mosquito Squad. Our reviews speak volumes about our mosquito control efficacy in Fruit Cove. Here is a great example of what we mean: “This is our 4th year using Mosquito Squad. Prior to using Mosquito Squad, I couldn’t even sit on my screened porch without getting multiple mosquito bites. Since we started using them, I’m able to enjoy my yard without mosquitoes!”

Call on Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida for effective mosquito control Fruit Cove! Get in touch with us at (904) 844-0816.