Tarantulas make wonderful pets, but some people have an irrational fear of them. They wrongly believe that they possess a deadly bite and that these large spiders are vicious monsters. The reality is that tarantulas are relatively docile unless something scares them. While they may bite, these spiders are not harmful, and if you’re bitten, the important thing is not to panic. There are some basic steps you can take to treat tarantula bites. They are also very avoidable if you care for them properly and understand your spider’s needs.
Wash the Wound with Soap and Cold Water
There are several key steps to take if a tarantula bites you or another person. As noted, remember to stay calm. It’s not the end of the world, and you’re probably not going to experience anything more than discomfort. The important thing is to secure your tarantula. After all, they’re more scared than you are! Remember, tarantulas usually only attack in self-defense. After ensuring your pet’s safety, you can worry about yourself.
Wash your hands and remove any tarantula hairs before cleaning the affected area with cold water and soap. You can remove small hairs using tape. Then, use ice to reduce any swelling or redness. Most experts recommend applying ice for ten minutes before taking a ten-minute break and repeating the process.
Unfortunately, there are no immediate fixes to pet tarantula bites. However, while the wound heals, you could take an anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter painkiller if you feel uncomfortable.
Consult a Doctor if You Have Medical Concerns
Sometimes, people suffer serious side effects after a tarantula bite. However, this is usually because they have an allergy or an underlying health problem––and the tarantula bite is not the primary cause of the reaction.
Some symptoms of tarantula bite allergies include heavy breathing, severe itching, or rashes. In the worst cases, people may lose blood flow to their organs. This is very rare, so don’t stress too much! Abnormal swelling around the bite site is also a red flag.
If you or another person presents any of these signs, you should immediately contact a healthcare provider. Note the type of tarantula and any underlying health conditions, so your provider can make an accurate diagnosis. You could also consult a poison control hotline.
Most Pet Tarantula Bites Are Harmless
Many people fear the worst after being bitten by a pet tarantula. The reality is that they are usually harmless to humans. Their venom isn’t toxic enough to seriously hurt people because they’re not the most venomous spiders. It will probably feel like a bee sting, so while being bitten won’t be fun, it’s not devastating.
In most cases, after being bitten by a pet spider, the area will become inflamed and red. You may experience a throbbing sensation for several hours. The biggest issue isn’t the spider’s bite but rather its venomous hairs. The tarantula rubs its legs against its body before shooting tiny hairs toward a target. These barbs can penetrate human skin and cause hive-like swellings. There’s also a risk that the hairs will aggravate the bite wound.
Again, this is unlikely to cause any serious harm, but it may be uncomfortable! It may comfort you to know that no human death has ever been directly attributed to a tarantula bite.
Why Do Pet Tarantulas Bite?
Tarantulas aren’t naturally aggressive toward humans. They prefer people to leave them alone and will only attack if they feel they must defend themselves. Rough or unwanted handling is one of the most common reasons why tarantulas may bite their owners. They may also bite when startled. Avoid abruptly reaching toward your spider because this may provoke a nasty reaction. The good news is that tarantulas will rarely bite you without provocation. It can happen, but it’s very rare!
New owners should understand a tarantula’s body language. This will help them recognize the signs of a stressed spider and avoid handling them. When threatened, a spider will lift its front legs higher in an offensive position. They expose their fangs and make themselves bigger, too. Leave your spider alone if they take this position because they don’t want you to bother them. Usually, they’ll relax from this pose after a few minutes, but it’s not unusual for them to hold it for an hour or even longer!
What to Know About Handling Tarantulas
Treating tarantula bites isn’t fun, so it’s better to avoid them completely. As tempting as it may be to pet a fuzzy tarantula, these insects are better as display pieces. It’s essential to remember that tarantulas don’t like when people hold them or touch them. Avoid this as much as possible, and you’ll massively reduce the risk of an accident.
If you must handle your spider (such as when cleaning their enclosure), keep in mind that they have surprisingly delicate bodies, and it’s very easy to mistakenly hurt them. You don’t have to worry about socializing or interacting with your tarantula; they’re perfectly content to be by themselves. We understand the temptation to snuggle them, but you want to avoid being bitten!
The Most Harmless (and Popular) Tarantula Pets
Some of the most popular (and harmless!) pet tarantulas include:
Curly-Hair Tarantulas: Mellow Eight-legged Creatures
This large spider has a distinctive appearance because of their long, bristly legs. Owners love them because of their mellow disposition. They have a reputation for being one of the best starter tarantula pets. Females live for up to 25 years, while males die just a few months after mating.
Chilean Rose Tarantulas: Small Spiders
This is one of the world’s most common pet tarantula species. Also known as the Chilean fire tarantula, they are a dwarf variety and can live for 20 years. They have docile personalities if you don’t aggravate them. However, their defensive behavior may last for days if provoked!
Pink Zebra Beauty: Great for Kids
Another very popular South American tarantula, this species is laid-back and slow-moving. These tarantulas are a great option for children who understand their needs. Some people insist they enjoy being handled, but this isn’t true; it’s more accurate to say that they tolerate it better than other tarantula species.
