A recent increase on mosquito populations had resulted in perfect conditions for a spider population explosion, molecular biologist Maria Chatzaki told Greek news websites. “The spiders are taking advantage of these conditions, and are having a kind of a party. They mate, they reproduce and provide a whole new generation.” Locals had seen stretch spider web coverage like this before, but not since 2003, she said.

Other than being decidedly icky, there’s no real harm from all these webs. The spiders themselves aren’t dangerous, and they’re so short-lived that their party will soon be over. When it is, the webs will degrade naturally, leaving the plants beneath them undisturbed. Still, arachnophobes may choose to keep their distance for the time being.

Harmless—but still gross.
Harmless—but still gross.
Image: GIANNIS GIANNAKOPOULOS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Halloween has come early to this Greek beach.
Halloween has come early to this Greek beach.
Image: GIANNIS GIANNAKOPOULOS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The dead flies are a nice touch.
The dead flies are a nice touch.
Image: GIANNIS GIANNAKOPOULOS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Beach goth vibes.
Beach goth vibes.
Image: GIANNIS GIANNAKOPOULOS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Correction: An earlier version of this article named the lagoon as Aikitiko instead of Aitoliko.

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