Tarantulas are fascinating and exotic creatures that turn out to be easy pets to care for; although they may seem frightening, they are extremely delicate. Their bite causes a lot of pain and some species have irritating hairs. Generally speaking, these arachnids should only be observed and not grasped and manipulated; But if you have to or want to do it, there are some elementary precautions to take to ensure your safety and that of the spider.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Handling the Tarantula
Step 1. Dress appropriately
Most species that are kept as pets are not very dangerous. However, this spider has rather long fangs and fuzz that irritates human skin. To avoid a bite or other misadventures, wear a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and long pants with the hem tucked into your socks whenever you want to pick up the creature. Also consider using a face mask.
Of course, you can always try to grab it without protective clothing, but remember that the risk of bites or other injuries is higher
Step 2. Proceed gently
Although it looks frightening, the tarantula is a fragile animal; if you drop or squeeze it, you could cause fatal injuries. Always be very careful when lifting and moving it.
Step 3. Use forceps or a cup to catch it
The best way to lift a tarantula is to use protective tools instead of using your bare hands. A forceps with foam-coated tips is perfect, but be careful not to squeeze the creature; alternatively, you can take a cup or bowl to put upside down on the spider and then slip a stiff cardboard under it, in order to lift and move it safely. Be careful not to squeeze any part of the animal with the rim of the bowl.
Step 4. Move the tarantula to a flat surface if possible
It is much easier to manipulate when it is on an unobstructed plane. When you have to touch it, place it on a flat, wide area, preferably the floor or the bottom of a bathtub; in this way, you can use the cup safely.
Step 5. Don't play it
Whenever you pick it up or transfer it, keep it away from your face and other areas of exposed skin. If it is on your body or someone else's and looks like it is about to attack, don't try to lift or squeeze it, but hit it sideways to push it away; squeezing or squeezing it could in fact trigger its bite reflex aggravating the situation.
- Moving calmly and speaking softly when the creature is around is the best way to stay safe and avoid bites; noises are perceived as a threat and can lead you to attack.
- Don't tap her with your finger, don't put and pour anything on her body; bothering her can make her aggressive.
- Don't wave it in front of other people even as a joke.
- Learn to recognize the signs of an impending attack. When the animal feels in danger, it raises the back of the body and the front legs.
Part 2 of 2: Avoiding Attacks
Step 1. Identify the species
Many tarantulas can be considered safe pets; however, there are some very dangerous ones that should definitely not be touched. Some species are more aggressive than others, so you need to carefully inquire about the arachnid in your possession to understand what kind of behavior you should expect.
Step 2. Stay away from his mouth
All tarantulas have fangs and can bite. The teeth of several species even reach 2 cm in length. The goliath tarantula, which can weigh as much as a puppy dog, has 2.5cm long fangs; when you pick up one of these creatures, avoid the mouth area (in the front of the head).
- In case of a bite, wash the wound. Typically, an oral pain reliever such as acetaminophen should be sufficient to manage the pain; lifts the affected area to minimize discomfort. If you notice any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), make a doctor's appointment for a visit.
- If you get bitten on a sensitive area, such as the face, you may experience more pain or face some complications.
- If you know you are allergic to these spiders, you should be very cautious when deciding to pick one up; Go to the emergency room immediately if you bite and are allergic or if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as edema and difficulty in breathing.
Step 3. Do not touch the tarantula's abdomen
Some species have stinging hairs on their abdomen that are coated with an irritating chemical. The hair comes off on contact, creating a real "cloud" made up of thousands of hairs, which causes pain, redness and swelling of the skin, also irritating the eyes and nose; in some cases, the hair must be removed surgically.
- If you notice a tarantula lifting the back of the body, stay away from it.
- Always wash your hands after touching the spider.
- Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from stinging hair.
- If you come into contact with the hair, try to remove it with duct tape and take antihistamines such as Benadryl.
Step 4. Go to the doctor if necessary
If hair has gotten into your eyes, you have been bitten by the tarantula in a sensitive area (such as near the eyes), or the wound has become infected, call your doctor, as their intervention is required.
Step 5. Keep the spider away from other animals
While it is a relatively harmless creature to humans, it can instead prove lethal to other pets, such as dogs. Always store the spider safely in its terrarium and keep it separate from other living beings to ensure each other's safety.
