Spider webs have covered parts of the North Island in recent days, leaving homes, fences, trees and parks draped in fine silk. The webs have been seen from parts of Auckland to Hawke’s Bay. Experts say the event is natural and there is no need for people to worry.
The phenomenon is called ballooning. It happens when young spiders release thin threads of silk into the air and use the wind, and even tiny electric currents, to travel to new places. Arachnologist Dr Fiona Cross, also known as Dr Spider, said spiders do not have wings, but this is one way they can “fly”.
The spiders are usually very small and harmless. Some people may feel nervous about seeing so many webs, but Dr Cross said the spiders are simply looking for new homes. In Havelock North and Napier, people described the silk shining in the sunlight like frost or a “silver sea”. Some families even watched the spiders floating high in the sky.
Dr Cross said ballooning often happens at this time of year, after warm weather, plenty of food and recent rain. Young spiders that grew during summer are now ready to spread out. Some spiders can travel very long distances this way, including from Australia to New Zealand. Dr Cross hopes the glowing webs will make people curious about spiders instead of afraid.
