What happens if a tarantula bites

Myth: Tarantulas are dangerous or deadly to humans. Not dangerous to humans Both the European wolf spiders originally called tarantulas, and the theraphosid spiders, often kept as pets and called tarantulas now, have been reputed dangerous to humans.

Spider Myths "Everything that 'everybody knows' about spiders is wrong! Become a member Experience even more. A membership pays for itself in 3 visits! Join today Learn more. Just want tickets? Continue to general admission tickets page. When Poison Control called back a few hours later to check on the child, he was fine. Case 2. A year-old man had redness and irritation of his eyes after letting his pet tarantula crawl over his face, arm, and neck.

A special eye exam showed about tarantula hairs stuck in one of his eyes. Some, but not all of the hairs, were removed. He was treated for several weeks with prescription eye drops, and his symptoms eventually improved. How to Handle Your Pet Tarantula [internet]. Tarantulaguide; [accessed Feb 28, ]. Scorpions [internet]. Gouge DH, Olson C. Publication AZ ; June [accessed Feb 27, ].

Darracq MA, Clark R. Chapter A Antidotes in depth antivemon: scorpion. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 10th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; Hahn IH. Chapter Arthropods. Scorpion envenomation. N Engl J Med ; The Bottom Line Tarantula bites typically only cause pain at the bite site, but contact with tarantula hairs can cause redness, itching, and swelling.

The Full Story Tarantulas and scorpions, the stuff of nightmares, are loathed by many and admired by some. Because the tarantula's venom poison is weak, it's unusual to have more severe reactions involving other parts of the body. If you think you've been bitten by a tarantula, wash the bite with soap and water. If the bite hurts a lot, you can ask an adult for some pain medication. Placing an ice pack on the bite can also help. Allergic reactions to a tarantula's bite are unusual.

First-aid for a tarantula bite is pretty much the same as it is for any other puncture wound. You need to wash your hands or whichever body part got bitten with soap and water, paying extra attention to the bite wound. You should put some kind of antibacterial medicine on your spider bite. Bactine spray or Neosporin ointment are both good options. If the bite hurts, you may want to select a topical treatment with pain reliever in it. Its venom is about as strong as the venom in a bee or wasp sting.

Your immune system should take care of it with no problem. If you have pain or swelling, you may want to take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.