entomology

Retired University of Georgia entomology professor and former extension specialist Dr. William Hudson reaches for a female Joro spider on Nov. 4, 2025, in Winterville, Ga. Known for their docile nature, Joro spiders have never been recorded harming humans. (Gabrielle Gruszynski/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Retired University of Georgia entomology professor and former extension specialist Dr. William Hudson reaches for a female Joro spider on Nov. 4, 2025, in Winterville, Ga. Known for their docile nature, Joro spiders have never been recorded harming humans. (Gabrielle Gruszynski/The Oglethorpe Echo)

A sticky web they weave

Gabrielle Gruszynski
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Big, brightly colored and impossible to miss, Oglethorpe County residents are spotting Joro spiders everywhere this fall.  “It’s just a crazy density,” said Elmer Gray, University of Georgia entomologist and Arnoldsville resident.
UGA entomologist Elmer Gray, who lives in Arnoldsville, said clearing debris away from the sides of houses could help keep insects from entering homes during the summer. Also, make sure items don’t collect water, which is where mosquitoes breed. (Submitted Photo)

UGA entomologist Elmer Gray, who lives in Arnoldsville, said clearing debris away from the sides of houses could help keep insects from entering homes during the summer. Also, make sure items don’t collect water, which is where mosquitoes breed. (Submitted Photo)

Here are tips to stop insects this summer

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Hot weather — as Oglethorpe County is experiencing — can lead to more bugs. During the summer, temperatures at night stay elevated, allowing for insect larvae to grow faster, said Elmer Gray, UGA entomologist and Arnoldsville resident.