Best Practices for Handling Your Tarantula Safely

Tarantulas are fascinating creatures that have captivated the interest of many exotic pet enthusiasts. Their striking appearance, relatively docile nature, and unique behaviors make them popular pets. However, handling a tarantula requires careful attention and respect for their delicate anatomy and natural instincts. Unlike more common pets such as dogs or cats, tarantulas are fragile and can be easily harmed if handled improperly. Moreover, improper handling can stress the spider or provoke defensive reactions. This article explores the best practices for handling your tarantula safely, ensuring both your well-being and that of your arachnid companion.

Understanding Tarantula Behavior

Before attempting to handle your tarantula, it’s essential to understand their behavior. Tarantulas are generally shy and reclusive animals that prefer to avoid confrontation. They rely on their urticating hairs—a defense mechanism found in many New World species—to deter predators. These tiny barbed hairs can cause irritation if they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes.

Tarantulas may also flick hairs, rear up on their hind legs, or even bite when feeling threatened. While most tarantula bites are not dangerous to humans beyond localized pain and swelling, prevention of such incidents is always best.

Understanding when your tarantula is calm or stressed will help you decide the right time to handle it.

Preparing to Handle Your Tarantula

Create a Calm Environment

Tarantulas are sensitive to vibrations, loud noises, and sudden movements. Before handling your tarantula, make sure the environment is quiet and free from disturbances. Turn off any loud music or television and keep other pets away.

Wash Your Hands

Clean hands reduce the risk of transferring harmful substances like oils, lotions, or chemicals to your tarantula’s exoskeleton. Use only unscented soap and water; avoid hand sanitizers containing alcohol which can harm the spider.

Inspect Your Tarantula’s Health

Never handle a tarantula that appears sick, lethargic, or is in the process of molting (shedding its exoskeleton). Handling during molting can cause injury or death as the exoskeleton is soft and vulnerable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Handling

1. Use Gentle Movements

Approach your tarantula slowly from the front or side. Sudden movements may startle it and provoke defensive behavior.

2. Encourage Voluntary Climbing

Instead of grabbing your tarantula from above—which is intimidating—encourage it to climb onto your hand by gently placing your hand in front of its legs near the substrate.

You can softly tap the substrate behind the tarantula with a brush or stick to encourage forward movement onto your hand.

3. Support Its Body Fully

Once your tarantula steps onto your hand, carefully support its entire body with an open palm. Avoid pinching or squeezing any part of its body because their abdomens are particularly fragile.

4. Keep Your Hands Close to a Soft Surface

When holding your tarantula, keep your hands close to a surface such as a table or bed to minimize injury risks if the spider falls or jumps.

5. Limit Handling Time

Even if your tarantula remains calm, limit handling sessions to just a few minutes at a time to prevent stress.

Dos and Don’ts of Tarantula Handling

Dos

• Do stay calm and patient: Your calm demeanor will help keep the spider relaxed.
• Do research species-specific tendencies: Some species are more docile; others are more defensive.
• Do supervise children: Teach them gentleness and always supervise interactions.
• Do use proper containers: For moving your tarantula between enclosures, use secure but ventilated containers.
• Do wash hands before and after handling: For hygiene for both you and your spider.

Don’ts

• Don’t grab or squeeze: This risks serious injury.
• Don’t handle during molting periods: The spider is vulnerable.
• Don’t pick up from above: Approaching from above mimics predator attacks.
• Don’t allow falls: A fall from even a short height can be fatal.
• Don’t expose to extreme temperatures or drafts during handling sessions.

Handling Specific Types of Tarantulas

New World tarantulas (from the Americas) often flick urticating hairs when threatened, which can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. When handling these species:

• Consider wearing long sleeves.
• Avoid touching your face immediately after handling.
• Wash hands thoroughly afterward.

Old World species (from Africa and Asia) tend not to have urticating hairs but are usually more defensive and quick to bite if stressed. Handling these species requires extra caution and minimal interaction.

What To Do If You Get Bitten or Irritated

Although bites are rare when proper precautions are taken, accidents happen.

• Bites: Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic cream and monitor for allergic reactions such as severe swelling or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

• Urticating Hair Contact: If you get urticating hairs on your skin, remove them by gently using sticky tape on the affected area rather than rubbing them in. Wash exposed areas thoroughly with soap and water. If hairs contact eyes or respiratory tract causing irritation, seek medical care immediately.

Alternatives to Direct Handling

If you prefer minimal direct contact but still want interaction:

• Use soft brushes or tools for gentle coaxing.
• Observe feeding directly through enclosure glass.
• Provide enrichment in enclosure via rearranging decor safely without removing the spider.

Many experienced keepers only handle their tarantulas when necessary (such as during enclosure cleaning) rather than as frequent “petting” sessions.

Final Thoughts on Responsible Tarantula Care

Handling a tarantula safely requires respect for its nature and physical limitations. By preparing properly, understanding behavior cues, using gentle techniques, and following safety precautions you can enjoy rewarding interactions without risking harm to yourself or your pet.

Remember that every individual spider has its own temperament—some may never tolerate handling well—and that is perfectly normal. Prioritize your tarantula’s welfare above all else for a healthy, long-lasting companionship with these extraordinary arachnids.

By applying these best practices consistently, you’ll cultivate trust with your pet while ensuring both their safety and yours. Enjoy exploring the fascinating world of tarantulas with confidence!