How to Handle a Tarantula Safely — And Why You Should Avoid It Unless Necessary
- inverttparty
- Aug 11, 2025
- 2 min read
While tarantulas can be fascinating pets, it’s important to remember that handling is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Tarantulas are delicate creatures — a fall from even a short height can be fatal — and handling can cause them unnecessary stress.
Why You Should Avoid Handling
Risk to the tarantula: Their abdomens can rupture easily if dropped. Imagine them being fragile like a water balloon.
Stress: Even calm species may become defensive when picked up and the tarantula may sit in a stress curl after being subjected to handling.
Irritation from urticating hairs: Many New World species flick these hairs, which can cause skin and eye irritation. More exposure to these hairs has been shown to increase negative reactions to them.
When Handling May Be Necessary
Moving your tarantula to clean or re-house into a new enclosure.
Examination or treatment.
In rare cases, transportation, eg for breeding projects.
Safe Handling Tips
If you must handle, here are a few tiosa to do so safely:
Work close to the ground — ideally over a soft surface in case the tarantula bolts to avoid drops.
Before picking up, gently tap the tarantula's back leg with a paintbrush to check its temperament. You can use this paintbrush to gently coax it in the right direction.
Stay calm and slow — sudden movements can startle your tarantula.
Never grab — allow the spider to walk onto your hand if handling is unavoidable. In rare cases you may need to pinch grab your tarantula, however, this is really not recommended unless absolutely necessary for health reasons.
Limit time in hand — return the tarantula to its enclosure promptly.
Bottom line: The best way to “handle” a tarantula is often with your eyes, not your hands. Observing their natural behaviours is safer for them — and for you. I often say that they are like a goldfish- yo uwouldn't stick your hand in to pet a fish so treat your tarantula like a display animal. And if you want a cuddly pet...get a dog!
Comments