Why 35% of Pet Tarantulas Die from Wrong Humidity (And How to Save Yours)

Did you know that 35% of pet tarantulas die from incorrect humidity levels?

 

As these fascinating creatures have evolved over 300 million years, they’ve developed precise moisture needs that we must meet in captivity.

 

Whether you’re a first-time owner or experienced keeper, maintaining proper humidity is the key to your tarantula’s health and longevity.

 

This guide will show you exactly how to create the perfect environment for your eight-legged friend.

 

The “What’s What” of Spider Humidity

Let’s chat about why humidity matters. As Dr. Sarah Martinez from the American Arachnology Institute puts it (and I love how she explains things): “Proper humidity is as important for tarantulas as food and temperature. Without it, they can’t molt properly and might get sick.”

 

Think of it this way – if you’ve ever had a bad hair day because of humidity, imagine being covered in exoskeleton!

 

Different spiders need different humidity levels, just like different people prefer different shower temperatures:

• Desert tarantulas (like my Harriet) need 55-65% humidity (they’re the “I’ll just have a light mist” type)
• Tropical tarantulas need 75-85% humidity (these are the spa enthusiasts of the spider world)
• Forest tarantulas need 70-80% humidity (the “somewhere in between” crowd)

 

Your Spider-Care Shopping List

Just like you wouldn’t go camping without a tent, you shouldn’t start your tarantula journey without the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need (and trust me, I learned this the hard way):

1. Hygrometer – your spider’s personal weather station ($15-30)
2. Spray bottle – think of it as your spider’s personal rain cloud ($5-10)
3. Water dish – spider’s swimming pool (minus the swimming) ($3-5)
4. Good substrate – fancy dirt that’s worth every penny ($10-20)

 

As Dr. Tom Wilson (who wrote this amazing book I keep by my bedside) says: “Don’t skimp on your hygrometer. It’s your most important tool for keeping your spider healthy.” And boy, was he right!

 

Setting Up Your Spider’s Dream Home

Remember MTV Cribs? Well, this is Spider Cribs! Let’s set up a home that would make any tarantula proud:

 

Step 1: The Floor Plan (Substrate)

Choose your substrate like you’re picking a memory foam mattress – it needs to be just right. I once used the wrong type, and my tarantula gave me the eight-eyed equivalent of an eye roll!

 

Substrate Type	How Long It Stays Wet	How Good It Is
Coco Fiber	3-4 days	Very Good
Peat Moss	2-3 days	Good
Eco Earth	3-4 days	Very Good

 

Step 2: The Ventilation System

Creating air holes is like playing Connect the Dots, but with actual purpose:

• Make holes like you’re decorating a cookie (evenly spaced)
• Don’t go overboard – it’s not Swiss cheese!
• Think of it as your spider’s personal AC system

 

Step 3: The Water Feature

• Add a water dish (think tiny kiddie pool)
• Keep it fresh (nobody likes day-old water)
• Clean it regularly (spiders are surprisingly picky)

 

The Daily Spider Parent Routine

Here’s what I do every day (usually while sipping my morning coffee):

1. Check the humidity (good morning, weather report!)
2. Mist if needed (like watering a very special plant)
3. Check the substrate (should feel like a barely damp sponge)
4. Water dish inspection (no spider soup allowed)

 

Important Times for Humidity

Your spider needs extra care during these times:

Time	Needed Humidity	How Long
Baby spider	70-80%	3-6 months
Molting	75-85%	2-4 weeks
Adult normal	60-75%	Always

 

When Things Get Weird

Trust me, I’ve seen it all! Here’s what to watch for:

The “Too Dry” Drama

Signs your spider’s doing the moisture mambo:

• Legs curling (not a new dance move)
• Molting troubles (stuck in their clothes, basically)
• Moving less (spider’s version of a hunger strike)

Quick fixes (tested by yours truly):

1. More misting (make it rain!)
2. Add substrate (layer up)
3. Bigger water dish (size does matter)

The “Too Wet” Crisis

Signs of too much humidity:

• Mold growing (unwanted roommates)
• Musty smell (not a fancy perfume)
• Condensation on walls (spider’s not trying to write messages)

Quick fixes:

1. Add more air holes
2. Mist less
3. Remove some substrate

 

Expert Tips for Success

“The biggest mistake new keepers make is not checking humidity daily,” says Maria Chen, professional spider breeder. “A simple daily check prevents most problems.”

Here are her top tips:

1. Keep a log of humidity readings
2. Watch your spider for unusual behavior
3. Clean the cage regularly
4. Have backup equipment ready
5. Check more often during molting

 

Safety Tips

Remember these important points:

• Never spray water directly on your spider
• Keep mold away – it’s dangerous
• Don’t let water pool in the container
• Change damp substrate regularly

 

When to Get Help

Get expert help if you see:

• Failed molts
• Not moving much
• Not eating
• Unusual spots or growth

You can find help at The Tarantula Forum or from your local exotic pet vet.

Quick Facts to Remember

• Most tarantulas die from wrong humidity
• Good equipment costs about $50-75 to start
• Regular care takes 5-10 minutes daily
• Proper humidity means 95% molt success

 

Remember, keeping your tarantula happy is like being a weather god in a very small universe.

 

Sometimes you’ll get it wrong (like the time I turned Harriet’s enclosure into an accidental sauna), but that’s okay! We’re all learning together in this wonderful world of spider parenting.

 

And hey, if all else fails, you can always find fellow spider enthusiasts at The Tarantula Forum – where nobody judges you for having conversations with your eight-legged friend!