Did you know that 40% of pet tarantula deaths come from infections that owners could have prevented?
These fascinating eight-legged creatures have been keeping humans company for decades, yet their health needs remain mysterious to many.
Whether you’re a new spider parent or a seasoned keeper, understanding tarantula infections is crucial—because contrary to popular belief, these hardy creatures do get sick, and knowing the signs could save your fuzzy friend’s life.
A bacterial infection can rapidly spread if not addressed, making emergency care for tarantulas crucial.
Tarantulas can get sick just like other pets. They can get three main types of infections:
- Bacterial (germs)
- Fungal (like mold)
- Parasites (tiny bugs that live on or in your spider)
Tarantulas have an immune system, but it works differently than ours. They have hemolymph instead of blood, which helps fight germs. It’s kind of like having built-in bug spray, but sometimes even that isn’t enough!
When I first started keeping tarantulas back in college, I learned this lesson the hard way. My Chilean Rose Hair developed a nasty case of mites after I used some questionable substrate from an untrusted source. Talk about a hairy situation!
“In my 15 years of working with Theraphosidae, I’ve seen that most infections happen because of dirty cages or wrong cage setup,” says Dr. Maria Chen, exotic pet vet and member of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians.
Common Infections in Tarantulas
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections affect 15-25% of pet tarantulas. You might see:
- Black or brown spots
- Leaking hemolymph (spider blood)
- A tired spider that doesn’t move much
Germs like Pseudomonas cause these problems. They often start when your spider gets hurt or its cage is too wet. It’s like when you get a cut and don’t clean it – except tarantulas don’t have Band-Aids or Neosporin in their medicine cabinets!
One time at an exotic pet expo in 2023, I saw a Curly Hair tarantula with a bacterial infection that made its leg look like it had been dipped in chocolate. The owner had no clue until an American Tarantula Society member pointed it out. Talk about a close call!
Fungal Infections and Mycosis
Fungal infections cause 30-40% of pet tarantula deaths. Signs include:
- White or green fuzzy growth
- Stiff legs
- Weird posture
Beauveria bassiana is a common fungus that attacks tarantulas. Mycosis happens most in damp cages with poor air flow. If your tarantula’s home is more humid than a Florida summer, you’re asking for trouble!
My buddy who works at the local exotic pet store says these infections remind him of “eight-legged zombies” because of how they slowly take over. Not exactly a comforting thought, but pretty accurate!
Parasitic Infections
Mites are tiny bugs that affect 35-45% of wild-caught tarantulas. Nematodes (tiny worms) affect 8-12% of wild spiders.
Signs of parasites include:
- Visible tiny bugs near leg joints
- Swollen belly
- Not eating well
I once watched my neighbor’s Grammostola tarantula recover from mites after a complete habitat overhaul. It was like an extreme home makeover, spider edition! The little guy perked up within weeks once those uninvited guests were evicted.
Warning Signs of Tarantula Infections
Watch for these signs that your tarantula might be sick:
| Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Black or brown spots | Bacterial infection |
| White fuzzy stuff | Fungal infection |
| Tiny moving dots | Mites |
| Weird walking or shaking | Dyskinetic Syndrome |
| Lifting legs oddly | Book lung infection |
During the 2024 winter weather shifts, I noticed more respiratory issues in my friend’s spider collection. Those book lungs are sensitive – like trying to breathe through a wet paper towel when conditions aren’t right!
Treating Tarantula Infections
Treatment options depend on what’s wrong with your spider:
- Bacterial infections: Clean with diluted chlorhexidine (0.05%) or use antibiotics from a vet
- Fungal infections: Fix cage conditions and use anti-fungal medicine
- Parasites: Change bedding, isolate spider, and use predatory mites that eat the bad mites
My old roommate’s Poecilotheria once had a bacterial infection in its chelicerae. The vet bill made his eyes water, but as he said, “Eight legs deserve as much care as four!” Can’t argue with that logic!
“Never try to treat a tarantula without proper diagnosis. What looks like a fungal infection could be molting residue,” warns Tom Jackson, author of the Tarantula Keeper’s Guide. “Success rates drop by 70% if you wait more than a week to treat infections.”
Preventing Infections in Your Tarantula
It’s easier to prevent infections than to treat them:
- Clean the cage regularly
- Use the right substrate (bedding)
- Keep new spiders separate for 30 days (quarantine)
- Handle your spider safely
- Control humidity and temperature
- Check feeder insects for parasites
Just like how we wash our hands to avoid catching colds, spiders need clean homes to stay healthy. My Avic Avic hasn’t had a single health issue in three years because I’m more consistent with his habitat maintenance than I am with my own apartment cleaning!
Research from the Journal of Arachnology shows that 95% of water dish-related infections can be prevented by regular cleaning.
When to Get Help for Your Tarantula
Find a vet who knows about exotic pets when:
- Your spider has pus or oozing
- The spider won’t eat for more than two weeks
- You see tremors or weird movements
- The exoskeleton has large infected areas
The American Tarantula Society can help you find a vet who treats spiders.
After the big pet health conference in Phoenix last year, more vets are getting specialized training in invertebrate medicine. It’s about time our eight-legged friends got the medical attention they deserve! My local exotic vet now even has special spider-sized equipment – talk about specialized care!
Common Questions About Tarantula Infections
Can tarantulas recover from serious infections?
Yes, but the success rate is only 40-60% for bacterial infections if caught early.
Do wild tarantulas get infections?
Yes, but less often than pet tarantulas because they live in their natural home.
Can infections happen during molting?
Yes, 20-25% of molting problems lead to infections. This is a risky time for your Brachypelma, Aphonopelma, Grammostola, or Poecilotheria species.
Are some tarantulas more likely to get sick?
Yes, Avic Avic (Pink Toe tarantulas) get fungal infections 2.5 times more often than other types.
I learned this the hard way when my first Pink Toe caught a fungal infection. As the saying goes, “eight legs, nine lives” – luckily she pulled through after some TLC!
Keeping Your Tarantula Healthy
The best way to deal with tarantula diseases is to prevent them:
- Keep the cage clean
- Use the right bedding
- Maintain proper humidity
- Feed healthy insects
- Watch for early warning signs
Visit the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians to learn more about invertebrate medicine and find a qualified vet.
Remember that treating a sick tarantula costs between $85-$250, so good care saves money and keeps your eight-legged friend happy and healthy!
I still chuckle about the time my arachnophobic cousin came over and saw me doctoring my tarantula’s wound with a tiny cotton swab. “You’re giving first aid to THAT?!” he gasped. Yep, buddy – spider healthcare matters too! After all, in the world of exotic pets, every leg counts!
