Stroking A Tarantula: Is It Safe?

Tarantulas are fascinating creatures that can be kept as pets, but they are not to be taken lightly. They are venomous and can deliver a painful bite, so it is important to be cautious when handling them. While they might seem like interesting pets, tarantula handling is not recommended and can be stressful for the animal. They are delicate, and even the slightest pressure can rupture their abdomen. Their barbed hairs can also cause skin irritation and, if they get into your eyes, serious inflammation. So, while it might be tempting to stroke a tarantula, it is generally not a good idea.

Tarantulas can bite and their venom is mildly toxic

Tarantulas are fascinating creatures and are often kept as exotic pets. While they might look fearsome, they are actually quite fragile. They can, however, deliver a painful bite and some species have irritating hairs that can cause allergic reactions.

If you are bitten by a tarantula, you may experience pain at the site of the bite, similar to a bee sting. The area may become red and swollen. While tarantula venom is not considered dangerous to humans, it can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, loss of blood flow to major organs, low blood pressure, swelling at the site of the bite, and swelling of the lips and throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

To avoid being bitten by a tarantula, it is important to handle them with care and only when necessary. When picking up a tarantula, it is recommended to use tools such as soft foam-tipped forceps or a capture cup, rather than your bare hands. Always keep the tarantula away from your face and other exposed skin. Additionally, avoid aggravating the tarantula by poking it or blowing on it, as this may trigger its bite reflex.

Tarantulas are fascinating creatures, but it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. If you are considering keeping a tarantula as a pet, be sure to do your research and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both the tarantula and yourself.

They have barbed hairs on their abdomens that can cause skin irritation

Tarantulas are not very venomous, but they do have other defence mechanisms. One of these is the use of barbed bristles, or 'urticating hairs', on their abdomens. These bristles are one of the primary defence mechanisms used by almost all New World tarantula species.

Urticating hairs are barbed bristles that cover the dorsal and posterior surface of a tarantula's abdomen. When threatened, tarantulas will flick a cloud of these hairs at the offender, which can cause physical irritation and discomfort. The bristles can embed themselves in the skin or eyes of other animals, causing severe inflammation of the eyes, mouth, and respiratory passages. This serves as an effective deterrent against predators.

Urticating hairs can also be shed onto the ground and walked over by potential attackers. They can cause both mechanical and chemical harm to the skin and mucous membranes. In humans, they can cause allergic skin reactions, such as inflammation, rashes, itching, and Ophthalmia nodosa (an irritation reaction that occurs when the barbed bristles lodge in the cornea).

There are seven different types of urticating hairs known in tarantulas, varying in size and shape, particularly in the distribution of barbs. Type III urticating hairs are the most irritating to mammalian predators.

If urticating hairs get on your skin, you can peel them off with tape, and take an antihistamine. It is also important to always wash your hands after handling a tarantula.

They are fragile and can be mortally wounded if squeezed or dropped

Tarantulas are fragile and can be mortally wounded if squeezed or dropped. Their exoskeletons are not as strong as they may seem, and even the slightest pressure can rupture their abdomen. Therefore, it is best to avoid handling tarantulas whenever possible. If handling is necessary, it is important to be extremely gentle and take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of both yourself and the tarantula.

When picking up a tarantula, it is best to use tools such as soft-tipped forceps or a capture cup instead of your bare hands. This will help to minimise the risk of bites and exposure to urticating hairs. If you must handle the tarantula with your hands, be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and a face mask. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling to avoid transferring harmful bacteria or substances.

It is also important to be aware of the tarantula's body language and refrain from actions that may provoke a bite. Tarantulas will bite if they feel threatened, and their bites are venomous. They may also release tiny barbed hairs from their abdomens, which can cause skin irritation and serious eye inflammation. If you experience an allergic reaction to a tarantula bite, seek medical help immediately.

To minimise the risk of escape, it is recommended to handle tarantulas in an enclosed room and place towels under doors to block exit routes. Keep a catch cup nearby in case of sudden movements, and have first aid tools readily available in case of injury. Always prioritise the tarantula's comfort and well-being, and stop handling if the tarantula appears uneasy or resists.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind that handling tarantulas can be stressful for them, impacting their immune system, appetite, and lifespan. It is not a mandatory part of being a good tarantula owner, and many experienced owners choose not to handle their spiders. Instead, you can appreciate their behaviours and unique characteristics by observing them in their enclosures.

They are not domesticated and do not enjoy being handled

Tarantulas are not domesticated and do not enjoy being handled. They are wild creatures that prefer to be left alone and kept at a distance. Handling a tarantula can be a unique and fascinating experience, but it is not necessary for their well-being and can even be detrimental to their health.

Tarantulas are delicate and sensitive creatures that experience stress during handling. The experience can be uncomfortable and harmful to them, impacting their immune system, appetite, and lifespan. They are also not domesticated animals, so they do not crave or enjoy physical interaction with humans in the same way that pets like dogs or cats might. In fact, frequent handling can be stressful for these eight-legged friends, even for experienced tarantula keepers.

The stress of handling can weaken a tarantula's immune system and even lead to death. Their natural defences, such as biting and releasing irritating hairs, are also a safety concern for humans. While tarantula bites are rarely fatal, they can be painful and cause redness, warmth, and intense itching. In rare cases, a tarantula bite can cause an allergic reaction that may become life-threatening if the person goes into anaphylactic shock.

Additionally, tarantulas have tiny barbed hairs on their abdomens that can cause skin irritation if they feel threatened and release these hairs. If these hairs get into your eyes, they can lead to serious inflammation. It is important to be cautious and respect the tarantula's natural behaviour and boundaries.

If handling is necessary, it should be done infrequently and only by experienced keepers using a gentle approach with tools like forceps or by cupping the abdomen with clean hands. It is also crucial to educate yourself on proper handling techniques, the behaviour of the specific species, and the potential risks involved.

In summary, tarantulas are wild creatures that should be respected and admired from a distance. They are not domesticated animals that crave human interaction, and handling can be detrimental to their health and well-being. It is important to prioritise their comfort and well-being by providing a suitable enclosure, a healthy diet, and a clean environment, rather than focusing on physical contact.

They are generally docile but will bite if they feel threatened

Tarantulas are fascinating creatures and can make for interesting pets. They are generally docile, but will bite if they feel threatened. While they are not venomous enough to kill a human, their bites can be extremely painful and may cause an allergic reaction. Tarantulas also have tiny barbed hairs on their abdomens that can cause skin irritation and itching. If these hairs get into your eyes, they can cause serious inflammation.

Tarantulas are fragile and can be mortally wounded if dropped or squeezed. They are also extremely sensitive to noise, which may trigger their attack reflex. It is therefore important to act calmly and quietly around them. If you must handle a tarantula, it is best to use tools such as soft-tipped forceps or a capture cup, rather than your bare hands. This will help to minimise the risk of bites and exposure to urticating hairs. It is also important to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask, when handling a tarantula.

Tarantulas are not domesticated animals and do not enjoy being handled. They can find the experience stressful, which may lead to harm. It is therefore important to prioritise the tarantula's comfort and well-being over your desire to handle it. If you are unsure about handling a tarantula, it is best to consult a knowledgeable breeder or veterinarian.

In addition to their bites and barbed hairs, tarantulas can also be dangerous due to their large size and venomous fangs. Their fangs can be quite long, and they may have special hairs that can irritate humans. While most tarantula bites are not medically significant, some species can inflict painful bites. It is important to be aware of the specific behaviours and temperaments of your tarantula's species before attempting to handle it.

Overall, while tarantulas can make interesting pets, it is important to respect their space and handle them with care. They are generally docile but will bite if they feel threatened, and their bites can be dangerous, especially to those with allergies.

Frequently asked questions