Orb weavers grow all summer
The big, wheel-shaped webs on porches and eaves are usually built by orb weaver spiders. University of Illinois Extension notes most orb weavers appear in spring, but we notice them more in fall, because by then the spiders and their webs have gotten bigger.
Illinois Extension also says orb weavers are generally not aggressive, and if disturbed are more likely to drop and run than bite. They like to anchor webs between sturdy supports such as doorways, windows and plant stems, which is why the front of a house collects so many.
Joro spiders in Georgia and the Carolinas
The Joro spider is a large golden orb weaver native to East Asia. UGA Extension reports it is established in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, with mature spiders showing up in late July and August and observations peaking in September and October.
NC State Extension says that despite their large size, Joro spiders pose no threat to humans; their mild venom causes symptoms similar to a bee sting in most cases. Their webs are large and golden-tinted, and UGA Extension says they’re commonly built on the edges of yards and parks and even between power lines.
Why webs end up on porches, lights and cameras
Webs go where spiders can anchor them. Porches, eaves, light fixtures, doorbells and security cameras give them corners and edges to work with, all at the front of the house where you see them every day.
A single strand across a camera lens is enough to blur the picture, so cameras and doorbells are worth clearing along with the eaves above them.
What to do about it
For webs you can reach, University of Illinois Extension suggests gently shooing the spider away and removing the web; after a few times, the spider usually moves its web. For Joro webs across paths, UGA Extension suggests a long stick, broom or telescoping pole.
UGA advises against using insecticides on Joro spiders over large areas, because those products also kill pollinators and other helpful insects. For high eaves and porch ceilings, a cobweb removal visit takes the webs, egg sacs and debris down by hand, with nothing sprayed.