The Dangers of Spiders as Pets

Keepers of exotic pets may be drawn to owning spiders, but they should be aware that these creatures can't be treated like many animals and have their own inherent dangers. Most of these dangers relate to spiders in general, while others are specific to especially dangerous species of spiders, namely the brown recluse and black widow varieties.

  1. Hairs

    • Even if a spider doesn't carry harmful venom, its very fine hairs can fall off during its day-to-day movement and end up getting onto an owner's skin or into his nasal passages or eyes and cause a nasty irritation. Hairs are especially a problem with tarantulas, which grow long hairs over their bodies.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Spider bites can cause significant pain but are usually no cause for alarm. However, even bites from typically harmless spiders can cause an allergic reaction in some susceptible humans, while some people suffer reactions just from coming into contact with a spider. Allergic reactions can range from irritations to severe swelling and respiratory problems, which may prove fatal if not dealt with immediately.

    Bites

    • Spiders are not easy pets to handle and can bite if held incorrectly. While most spiders are nonvenomous, bites from species such as the black widow and the brown recluse can have severe consequences. They can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, among other problems, and in rare cases can be fatal. Another consideration is that victims may not realize that they've been bitten if they don't catch the spider in the act, because the effects of many spider bites can be mistaken for skin rashes or similar conditions, Medicine Net notes. This could result in an owner receiving a bite but not seeking the appropriate medical treatment.

    Danger to Spiders

    • Another danger with regard to spider handling is that spiders are relatively fragile creatures, even when particularly large. Even a tarantula is susceptible to injury if handled incorrectly. An owner could drop the spider, killing or maiming it, since the creature's abdomen is vulnerable to rupture, which often results in death.

    Escape

    • Spiders like to hide in cluttered places and small holes, and will often make a break for these areas if given half a chance to escape from their confinement. Owners therefore need to guard against spiders escaping by taking care while handling and feeding them and sealing off the spider's enclosure fully. An escaped spider can be difficult to catch or even find and may pose a hazard to children or pets.