Handling and Working Around Your Pet Tarantula Safely

To many, the thought of handling a tarantula is daunting, yet experienced arachnid enthusiasts often do so with care and attention. While there is ongoing debate about the safety and appropriateness of handling pet tarantulas, the accepted guidance for responsible owners is to avoid unnecessary handling to minimise stress and injury to these delicate creatures.

Importantly, children and minors should never be allowed to handle or open the enclosure of a tarantula. Observing your spider safely contained is the best practice for all household members.

Cleaning and Working in Your Tarantula’s Enclosure

Regular maintenance of your tarantula’s habitat is vital for its health. This includes cleaning the enclosure, providing fresh water, removing uneaten food or prey remains, and occasionally replacing the substrate. Because tarantulas can be defensive and adept escape artists, care is needed to avoid bites, irritation from urticating hairs, or escape when working in the enclosure.

The safest approach is to secure your tarantula away from the work area. You may use a temporary holding container or partition the enclosure. Many keepers prefer gently encouraging the tarantula to move into a secure container using non-contact methods so the spider feels unthreatened.

Always keep a firm awareness of your tarantula’s location, especially for burrowing species that can hide under substrate. Never work in the enclosure if you are unsure where your spider is located to prevent accidental bites or escapes.

Picking Up and Handling Tarantulas Safely

If you must handle your tarantula, it requires careful, respectful technique to protect both you and the spider. They are fragile animals vulnerable to injury from falls or rough handling.

• Only handle when the tarantula is calm, still, and satiated.
• Wear gloves to protect your skin from urticating hairs.
• Gently hold the tarantula by the body between the second and third pairs of legs with your thumb and forefinger, supporting the abdomen underneath.
• Lift smoothly, as tarantulas usually stop moving once all legs lose ground contact.
• Once in hand, place the spider carefully onto your other hand and watch its reactions.
• Abort the handling if the spider shows signs of stress—such as raising front legs defensively or being skittish—and return it gently to its enclosure.
• Keep the tarantula restricted to moving over your hands and lower arms, avoiding letting it roam over your body to prevent falls.

Understanding Your Tarantula’s Defences

A calm handler is essential for safe interaction. Watch for signs that your tarantula is uncomfortable or defensive to avoid bites or irritation. Defensive stages include retreating, flicking irritating urticating hairs from the abdomen, raising front legs and fangs to appear larger, and, as a last resort, biting.

Remember, bites are uncommon without prior warning signs and usually happen only if the spider feels trapped or threatened.

In summary, minimal handling is best, focusing on careful environmental maintenance and respecting your tarantula’s needs and signals. This promotes their welfare and keeps both you and your pet safe.