The tarantula, a large spider that belongs to the family Theraphosidae, is a very special spider in Arizona. (See What's Bugging You(C) column in this issue.) These spiders spend most of their lives on the ground within a few yards of a silk-lined burrow. The males after eight to ten years leave their burrows to mate during the summer and early fall. They are often seen at that time crossing roads or back yards.
The wandering male tarantulas will only live for a year or so after their summer hike. Since they are easily spotted and captured, they make good terrarium pets. In captivity, tarantulas may be fed grasshoppers or crickets. Clean potting soil or sand and a small dish of clean water should be provided for them. Their cages need to be securely closed with a ventilated top, and remember to keep insect sprays from the pet.
Some local tarantulas "exercise" in the back yard or bathtub (with the drain closed!). One that was stretching its legs in the tub very nearly ended up as a smear on the side of the tub when our friend Ray's three year old son thought it was a fuzzy little brush and attempted to clean the tub with it. A pet tarantula that lives in Hereford is a regular part of a weekly poker game, pushing cards or chips to the middle of the table on command. Our family pet, "Hairy", was rescued from the middle of Highway 82 (although I narrowly escaped being squashed myself by a large truck during the rescue!). Hairy lives in the children's bedroom in a plastic aquarium, and is only a problem when he crunches grasshoppers in the middle of the night. Because tarantulas are very delicate, they should be handled as little as possible. Many die after being dropped.
More severe problems may arise if the spider uses its other major method of defense, the urticating hairs. These specialize hairs are located on the back of the spiders abdomen and can be quickly scraped off by its rear legs and on to the attacker. If this, "cloud" of barbed hairs gets in your eyes or mouth, it can cause inflammation and if inhaled, can cause acute respiratory problems. Even if the hairs only get on your skin, they can cause intense itching and REALLY make, you wish that you had left the animal alone.
CULTURAL CONTROLS: Leaving these animals alone works very well. Tarantulas do not harm humans unless severely provoked! Heavy or close plantings of just about anything will discourage them.as the vegetation makes it hard to walk. They tend to stick to sparely planted areas and clearings.
MECHANICAL CONTROLS: It is relatively simple to relocate a tarantula that is invading your space. A traveling spider can be convinced to walk onto a large piece of cardboard or board and just be carried to a new area. Another method is to GENTLY sweep the creature into a large box or bag and take it to a less inhabited area and release.
NATURAL CONTROLS: Birds, coatimundis, frogs, javelina, lizards, skunks, snakes, and toads all consider these spiders a tasty meal. Small-headed flies and Tarantula Hawks (a VERY large wasp) parasitize them as a food source for their young.