Are Tarantulas Dangerous?

What do tarantulas look like?

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders with 8 large legs. Adult tarantulas can have a leg span of 5–8 inches. Tarantulas can be black, brown, gray, or even brightly colored. Some have light-colored stripes on their legs. Despite having 8 eyes, tarantulas have poor eyesight and find their prey by touch or by sensing vibrations in the ground. They can live for 5–20 years.

The fearsome appearance of tarantulas accounts for their frequent starring roles in folklore and horror movies. However, they are generally docile, which leads some people to keep them as pets (in terrariums, not on the loose).

Where do tarantulas live?

Tarantulas prefer warm climates and live on every continent except Antarctica. In the US, they are most likely to be found in the dry areas of western states. Most tarantulas live in burrows dug into the ground where they can avoid direct sunlight, but some species prefer living in trees.

Do tarantulas bite? Are they venomous?

When a tarantula feels threatened or is roughly handled, it might bite. Tarantulas have a pair of large fangs, which usually leave visible marks. Before biting, however, a tarantula will often adopt a “threat pose” with its front legs lifted into the air. This is your warning to leave the tarantula alone. 
Tarantulas are venomous, and a tarantula bite can result in the injection of venom. Tarantulas indigenous to North, Central or South America cause milder symptoms compared to tarantulas found in other parts of the world.

What are the symptoms of a tarantula bite?

Tarantula bites can be quite painful, resulting in a throbbing that can last for hours. The bite area might become inflamed and swell up. Fever, nausea, and vomiting occur rarely. In general, the effects of North American tarantula bites are mild in humans.

What to do if you are bitten by a tarantula.

All tarantula bites should be washed well with soap and water. There is no antidote for tarantula bites, but the pain can be managed with cool compresses (such as ice packs) and over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen). People bitten by tarantulas should check with their healthcare provider to see if their tetanus immunization is up-to-date.

Are tarantula hairs dangerous?

In addition to big fangs, tarantulas have another weapon: they can release a cloud of irritating hairs. Contact of the hairs with the skin can cause inflammation, including pain, redness, itching, and swelling that can last for weeks. The hairs can also get into the eyes and cause pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and even damage to the cornea. The discomfort has been described as like having fiberglass particles in the eyes. The hairs can remain stuck in the eyes for a long time.

What to do about tarantula hairs.

Hairs stuck in the skin can be removed using sticky tape. Inflammatory skin reactions can be treated with topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone cream) and oral antihistamines. Skin irritation usually responds well to over-the-counter treatments but sometimes requires prescription-strength medicines. Hairs stuck in the eyes might need to be removed by a physician, but sometimes the hairs are so small that removal is difficult. If the eyes are affected, evaluation by an eye doctor is a must. Inflammatory eye reactions can be managed with corticosteroid eye drops.

If you suspect someone has been bitten by a tarantula, wash the area well with soap and water, then check the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance, whether online or by phone, is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Karen D. Dominguez, PharmD
Certified Specialist in Poison Information

Revised William G. Troutman, PharmD
Professor of Pharmacy Emeritus

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