Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders often misjudged as highly dangerous. Despite their intimidating appearance, the actual threat they pose to humans is less severe than commonly believed. Many mistakenly believe these arachnids are poisonous, a misconception that exaggerates their potential harm.
Understanding Tarantula Venom
Tarantulas are venomous, not poisonous. The distinction is: venom is actively injected, typically through a bite, while poison is absorbed or ingested. Tarantulas use fangs connected to venom glands to inject venom into their prey. This venom primarily paralyzes and predigests food, liquefying internal tissues.
Most tarantula venom is mild for humans, often compared to a bee or wasp sting in its effect. While venom composition varies among the over 900 species, it is not medically significant for the average person. For instance, U.S. tarantulas have venom not dangerous to humans. Old World species, found in Africa and Asia, may possess more potent venom, potentially causing more intense reactions, but no human fatalities have been recorded from a tarantula bite.
What Happens After a Tarantula Bite
A tarantula bite typically results in localized symptoms: pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting. These effects usually subside within a few hours, though some irritation might persist. Systemic symptoms like nausea, fever, or muscle cramps are rare and usually mild if they occur.
Beyond biting, many tarantulas, particularly New World species, use urticating hairs for defense. These tiny, barbed hairs are flicked from their abdomen when threatened. On contact with skin, they can cause intense itching, redness, a rash, or small bumps lasting weeks. If hairs enter the eyes or are inhaled, they can lead to more serious irritation, including painful, red, and inflamed eyes, or respiratory symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
For a tarantula bite, cleaning the area with soap and water is advisable to prevent infection. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain, and elevating the affected limb may alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines can manage symptoms, and topical steroid creams might be used for skin irritation from urticating hairs. If an allergic reaction occurs, indicated by difficulty breathing, lip or throat swelling, or a rapid heart rate, seek immediate medical attention.
Safe Interaction with Tarantulas
Interacting with tarantulas, whether in their natural habitat or as pets, requires a respectful approach to minimize potential incidents. Tarantulas are generally not aggressive, biting only as a last resort when threatened or mishandled. Their primary defensive behaviors involve retreating or displaying a threat pose.
For pet owners, frequent handling is not necessary for the tarantula’s well-being and can cause stress. If handling, do so gently, supporting the spider’s abdomen, and keeping it close to a soft surface to prevent injury from a fall, which can be fatal for the spider. Wearing gloves protects against urticating hairs. Avoid breathing or talking directly onto the tarantula, as they are sensitive to air currents and vibrations.
Proper enclosure setup is important for pet tarantulas, providing a safe and secure environment. The enclosure should be appropriately sized (two to three times the spider’s legspan in length and width) with a secure lid to prevent escapes. Adequate ventilation, a water dish, and a substrate that allows for burrowing and a hiding spot are necessary. Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels, specific to the species, contributes to their health and can reduce defensive behaviors.