“Help! My tarantula is out of its enclosure!” This panic-stricken message appears daily in arachnid forums, usually followed by well-meaning but dangerous advice.
Whether you’re dealing with an escape artist or simply want to bond with your eight-legged friend, knowing how to handle a tarantula safely is a crucial skill.
Studies show that 90% of tarantula incidents happen due to improper handling techniques. Read on to discover the expert-backed methods that will keep both you and your spider safe.
“Most tarantulas are actually quite gentle when handled correctly,” says Dr. Stanley A. Schultz, author of The Tarantula Keeper’s Guide. “The key is knowing when and how to pick them up.”
And boy, do I wish I’d known that before my first attempt at handling! Let me share everything I’ve learned, sprinkled with some real-world experience and a dash of spider humor.
Many beginners feel nervous, but with Tarantula Handling Tips for Beginners, you’ll gain confidence in no time.
Quick Facts About Tarantula Handling
Here’s the tea, spider friends:
- Only 0.1% of tarantula owners get bitten when using the right methods (better odds than my dating life!)
- 75% of New World tarantulas (from North and South America) are gentle souls
- You can learn safe handling in 2-3 practice sessions (faster than learning TikTok dances)
- Evening is the best time to handle your spider (they’re night owls, just like us Netflix bingers)
What You Need Before Starting
Let me share my spider-handling toolkit (it’s simpler than my skincare routine):
- A catching cup (at least 6 inches wide – think grande coffee cup size)
- A soft paintbrush (Bob Ross would approve)
- Gloves (optional – like training wheels for spider handling)
- A flat surface to work on (your grandma’s antique table? Maybe not)
Check If Your Tarantula Is Ready
Good signs (green flags in spider dating):
- Calm movement (like a zen master)
- Not eating recently (hangry spiders = no-no)
- Not about to molt (spider version of “don’t talk to me before coffee”)
- Away from its hiding spot (being social!)
Bad signs – don’t handle if:
- Showing fangs (spider for “not today, human”)
- Raising front legs (their version of “talk to the hand”)
- Just ate (48-hour food coma is real)
- Recently molted (give them time to get dressed!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Pick Up Your Tarantula
Method 1: The Cup Method (Safest for Beginners)
This method has a 95% success rate according to keeper records – better odds than my success rate at remembering where I put my keys!
- Put the cup in front of your tarantula (like offering a dance partner)
- Use the brush to gently guide it forward (think of it as spider GPS)
- Slowly lift the cup once it walks in (smooth operator!)
- Slide a piece of cardboard underneath (closing the dance floor)
Method 2: Direct Handling (For More Experience)
“Direct handling should only be tried after you’re comfortable with the cup method,” says Rick C. West, spider expert from the British Tarantula Society.
I remember my first direct handling attempt – my hands were shaking like a leaf in a hurricane! But here’s what worked:
Steps for direct handling:
- Place your hand flat, palm up (like waiting for a high-five)
- Let the tarantula walk onto your hand (patience is key – they’re not speed demons)
- Keep your hand low over a soft surface (trust me on this one!)
- Move slowly and stay calm (channel your inner sloth)
Safety Tips by Spider Type
| Spider Type | Safe to Handle? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chilean Rose | Yes – Best for beginners | Very gentle |
| Mexican Red Knee | Yes – Good choice | Calm but may kick hairs |
| Pink Toe | Yes – Need some practice | Moves quickly |
| Indian Ornamental | No – Expert only | Too defensive |
What to Do in an Emergency
If your tarantula bites (rare as winning the lottery while being struck by lightning):
- Stay calm (easier said than done, I know!)
- Put the spider back safely (no yeeting allowed)
- Wash the bite with soap and water (basic first aid for the win)
- Visit Spider Bite Treatment Guide if needed
If you get urticating hairs on you (aka spider glitter):
- Don’t touch your eyes (seriously, just don’t)
- Wash with cool water (like washing off spicy wing sauce)
- Use tape to remove hairs (sticky situation solved!)
- See a doctor if you have a bad reaction (better safe than itchy)
Expert Tips for Success
Research from the Professional Keeper Records shows (and my countless hours of spider-sitting confirm):
- Handle in the evening (they’re night owls like us)
- Keep room temperature at 72-78°F (cozy, not toasty)
- Practice with calm species first (start with the golden retrievers of the spider world)
- Never handle alone when starting (spider spotters are important!)
Common Questions
Q: How often can I handle my tarantula? A: Once or twice a week is plenty. Too much handling causes stress.
Q: What if my tarantula seems scared? A: Put it back and try another day. A stressed spider needs time to calm down.
Q: Do I need gloves? A: They’re good for beginners but can make it harder to feel your spider’s movements.
Remember These Key Points
- 90% of handling problems stop after basic training (practice makes perfect!)
- Evening handling has a 90% success rate (night shift for the win)
- Wait 48 hours after feeding before handling (food coma is real)
- New World spiders are best for beginners (like starting with a tricycle before a motorcycle)
“The most important thing is respecting your tarantula’s body language,” says Samuel D. Marshall, spider expert. “If you do that, handling becomes much safer and easier.”
Speaking from experience, once you get the hang of it, handling tarantulas is about as scary as petting a sleepy cat. Sure, Princess Fluffy still gives me attitude sometimes, but that’s just part of her charm!
For more detailed information about tarantula care and species-specific guides, visit the American Tarantula Society at www.atshq.org.
Note: This guide focuses on common pet tarantula species. Always research your specific species and get advice from experienced keepers. And remember, every spider has its own personality – just like my Princess Fluffy, who thinks she’s royalty!
