If you live in an area where tarantulas are common, you may eventually encounter one. Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that are usually harmless to humans. However, if you see a tarantula, it’s important to know how to react. Here are some tips on what to do if you encounter a tarantula.
The first thing to remember is to stay calm. Tarantulas are not aggressive and will not attack humans unless they feel threatened. If you see a tarantula, give it plenty of space and avoid making sudden movements. If you are hiking or walking in an area where tarantulas are common, watch where you step and avoid disturbing any tarantula burrows.
If you do happen to get too close to a tarantula and it feels threatened, it may rear up on its hind legs and show its fangs. This is a defensive posture, and the tarantula is warning you to back off. If you see a tarantula in this posture, slowly back away and give it plenty of space. Remember, tarantulas are not aggressive and will only attack if they feel threatened.
Identifying a Tarantula
When it comes to identifying a tarantula, there are a few key characteristics to look for:
- Size: Tarantulas are large, with a leg span of up to 10 inches.
- Color: Tarantulas can range in color from brown to black, with some species having distinctive markings.
- Hair: Tarantulas have a covering of fine hairs on their bodies, which can be used for defense.
- Fangs: Tarantulas have large, visible fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey.
If you’re unsure whether the spider you’re looking at is a tarantula, it’s best to be on the side of caution and assume that it is. Tarantulas are not aggressive towards humans, but they can bite if they feel threatened.
It’s also worth noting that not all large spiders are tarantulas. Other common types of large spiders include wolf spiders and fishing spiders, which have different physical characteristics and behaviors than tarantulas.
What to Do When You See a Tarantula – Tips to Follow
Stay Calm
Seeing a tarantula can be startling, but it’s important to stay calm. Tarantulas are generally not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm.
Keep Your Distance
It’s important to keep your distance from the tarantula. Tarantulas have a range of defense mechanisms, including biting and throwing urticating hairs. These hairs can cause irritation and even allergic reactions in some people. Stay at least a few feet away from the tarantula and give it space.
Avoid Touching or Provoking the Tarantula
Do not attempt to touch or provoke the tarantula. Tarantulas can move very quickly when they feel threatened, and a sudden movement or touch could cause them to bite. According to spiderblog, some of them can even go as fast as 21 inches per second/17.6 = 1.19MPH. Trust me thats extremely quick!
Additionally, tarantulas have delicate bodies and can be injured easily. Even a fall from height can seriously injure them.
Get your pets or any other Animals Away
If you have furry friends like dogs or cats living with you, it’s important to get them away from tarantula. While tarantulas may seem harmless, they can actually be quite dangerous to your pets. If your pet were to attack the tarantula, it could result in serious injury for both your pet and the tarantula. Additionally, if the tarantula were to bite your pet, it could cause them to harm as well.
Removal Methods
If you encounter a tarantula in your home, it’s important to handle the situation with care. Here are some removal methods to consider:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a container | Place a container over the tarantula, slide a piece of paper under the container, and gently lift the tarantula into the container. Release the tarantula outside. |
| Use a broom | Use a broom to gently sweep the tarantula into a dustpan, and release it outside. |
| Call a professional | If you are uncomfortable handling the situation yourself, consider calling a pest control professional to safely remove the tarantula. |
Remember, it’s important to handle tarantula encounters with care and respect. By following these safety tips and removal methods, you can ensure a safe and humane outcome for both yourself and the tarantula.
Call a Professional
If you are unsure of what to do when you see a tarantula, or if the tarantula is in an area where it could pose a danger to people or pets, call a professional. Pest control companies and wildlife experts can safely remove the tarantula from your property.
Preventing Tarantula Encounters
For some people, the mere thought of encountering a tarantula can be terrifying. While these spiders are not typically aggressive towards humans, it’s understandable to want to avoid them altogether. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent tarantula encounters in the first place.
Seal Cracks and Holes in Your Home
One of the best ways to prevent tarantula encounters is to seal any cracks and holes in your home.
Tarantulas can enter your home through small openings, so it’s important to make sure your home is properly sealed. Check for cracks and holes in your walls, foundation, and windows.
Use caulk or foam to seal any openings you find. This will not only keep tarantulas out, but it will also help keep other pests out of your home.
Keep Your Yard Clean and Free of Debris
Another important step in preventing tarantula encounters is to keep your yard clean and free of debris. Tarantulas like to hide in piles of leaves, wood, and other debris. Keep your yard clean by regularly raking up leaves and removing any debris. Trim your bushes and trees to prevent them from becoming hiding spots for tarantulas. Keep your grass short and well-maintained. This will not only prevent tarantulas from entering your yard, but it will also help keep other pests away.
Use Tarantula Repellent Products
If you live in an area where tarantulas are common, you may want to consider using tarantula-repellent products. These products can be applied around the perimeter of your home and yard to keep tarantulas away. Look for products that contain natural ingredients and are safe for pets and children. Follow the instructions carefully when using these products.
Also, Read
Do Tarantulas Keep Frogs as Pets
Can you Kill a Tarantula by Stepping on it
References
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-006-9173-2
https://www.britannica.com/animal/tarantula
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/tarantulas