[Beginner] Should I be worried about urticating hairs?

[gregg097]

Hi, I'm new in this forum. I'm planning to buy my first Tarantula (Fireleg), and I'm planning to have more if I end up enjoying it more than what I expected, I just want to know if I should be worried about Tarantula's urticating hairs, I've heard about them, I've watched some famous Tarantula youtubers but they never talked about it, does that mean they never had that kind of problem and immune to it? I mean, they rehouse, feed and sometimes they even handle their Tarantulas without any protection, but they never mention about getting rashes or hair getting in their eyes, does that mean it depends on the person if he or she is prone to urticating hair? Our house is not that spacious so I'm afraid that those hairs would float around the house if I open the enclosure to feed them and my family or our dog (Shih-tzu) would get rashes or get sick. My brother have a slight sensitive skin, would his skin react even if he's not going near the Tarantula? And does rehousing and feeding the Tarantula also cause to hair flick? I really want a Tarantula and my parents don't mind about me getting one or two, I'm just worried that it might harm them. I really hope somebody would give me an advice and answer all these questions. Thank you for reading.

 

[Teal]

First, you'll want to learn the scientific name of the spider. It will help you greatlt in doing research on it!

Second, urticating hairs are worse in some species. The main time you'll want to be cautious is when the spider molts - a lot of them will lay down a mat of u-hairs to molt on, and if you remove the molt it will stir everything up. However, it really isn't a concern unless you are sticking your face pretty much in the enclosure. Urticating hairs are a defense mechanism meant to get into the eyes/mouth/nose of a predator that gets too close to a T and are most effective within a few inches. If your T kicks hairs and they land on you, simply apply some tape to pull them out. Whether you'll have a reaction or not, you won't know until it happens.

 

[wingedcoatl]

Hey there! You might be talking about Brachypelma boehmei? Here's a care sheet from a guy I trust:

http://www.mikebasictarantula.com/B-boehmei-caresheet.html

Please note that his experience (in the comments section) he remarks that these guys have really nasty urticating hairs. I don't think they'd hurt your pets or brother by virtue of being in the same room, but you might get some burning/itching doing heavy enclosure maintenance or handling. I don't recommend handling. Otherwise, Brachypelma are just great. Easy care, and very handsome

 

[Ungoliant]

And does rehousing and feeding the Tarantula also cause to hair flick?

A tarantula's propensity to flick hairs will depend on species and individual temperament. Most of the commonly recommended beginner species are fairly docile, but it's always possible to get an oddball that is more defensive than is usual for the species.

I have some tarantulas that have never flicked hairs at me, and I have one grumpy boy who has recently decided to flick hairs any time I clean the water dish.

I just want to know if I should be worried about Tarantula's urticating hairs, I've heard about them, I've watched some famous Tarantula youtubers but they never talked about it, does that mean they never had that kind of problem and immune to it? I mean, they rehouse, feed and sometimes they even handle their Tarantulas without any protection, but they never mention about getting rashes or hair getting in their eyes, does that mean it depends on the person if he or she is prone to urticating hair?

The severity of the reaction will depend on the species, amount of exposure, and the keeper's own immune system. (It is possible to sensitize over repeated exposures, so even if you have little or no reaction as a new keeper, that may change.)

Typically, exposure is not a medically significant issue (unless the hairs get in your eyeball, in which case you should see an eye doctor right away), just a nuisance. On me, it shows up as itchy bumps that look kind of like a poison ivy reaction. (I am fairly sensitive, so I will itch for a good week or two if I get careless when doing maintenance.)

Our house is not that spacious so I'm afraid that those hairs would float around the house if I open the enclosure to feed them and my family or our dog (Shih-tzu) would get rashes or get sick. My brother have a slight sensitive skin, would his skin react even if he's not going near the Tarantula?

The only people who would be exposed are people who are handling the tarantula (we recommend not handling) or caring for the tarantula.

Most exposure can be avoided simply by using tongs to do your maintenance and not directly touching anything you remove from the enclosure, like a dirty water dish. (Even if they don't kick hairs at you, they are likely to have shed some hairs around the enclosure.)

If you're cleaning an enclosure (such as after a rehousing), wear gloves.

Do not touch the exuviae/molt (especially the abdomen) with your bare hands.

Avoid touching your face during maintenance, and wash your hands after you open the enclosure to avoid transferring any hairs to sensitive areas.

 

[gregg097]

First, you'll want to learn the scientific name of the spider. It will help you greatlt in doing research on it!

Second, urticating hairs are worse in some species. The main time you'll want to be cautious is when the spider molts - a lot of them will lay down a mat of u-hairs to molt on, and if you remove the molt it will stir everything up. However, it really isn't a concern unless you are sticking your face pretty much in the enclosure. Urticating hairs are a defense mechanism meant to get into the eyes/mouth/nose of a predator that gets too close to a T and are most effective within a few inches. If your T kicks hairs and they land on you, simply apply some tape to pull them out. Whether you'll have a reaction or not, you won't know until it happens.

Thanks, and sorry about the scientific name, I'm still confused of the boehmei, auratum, hamori so I just identify it as fireleg.
Would the urticating hair float around far and get on stuffs in the house? You know, like the couch, floor or lamps?

 

[Ungoliant]

Thanks, and sorry about the scientific name, I'm still confused of the boehmei, auratum, hamori so I just identify it as fireleg.

The seller should be able to identify the species for you. Most reputable hobbyists/breeders/dealers include scientific names.

If it is Brachypelma boehmei, that tends to be one of the "flickier" Brachypelma, although I'm sure there are exceptions out there.

Would the urticating hair float around far and get on stuffs in the house? You know, like the couch, floor or lamps?

The hairs are light and can be stirred up when doing maintenance, etc., but I would not expect them to remain airborne for long or travel outside of the enclosure barring stupid behavior like blowing into the enclosure.

 

[gregg097]

Hey there! You might be talking about Brachypelma boehmei? Here's a care sheet from ahub guy I trust:

http://www.mikebasictarantula.com/B-boehmei-caresheet.html

Please note that his experience (in the

Hey there! You might be talking about Brachypelma boehmei? Here's a care sheet from a guy I trust:

http://www.mikebasictarantula.com/B-boehmei-caresheet.html

Please note that his experience (in the comments section) he remarks that these guys have really nasty urticating hairs. I don't think they'd hurt your pets or brother by virtue of being in the same room, but you might get some burning/itching doing heavy enclosure maintenance or handling. I don't recommend handling. Otherwise, Brachypelma are just great. Easy care, and very handsome

Thank you! I really appreciate the response.

A tarantula's propensity to flick hairs will depend on species and individual temperament. Most of the commonly recommended beginner species are fairly docile, but it's always possible to get an oddball that is more defensive than is usual for the species.

I have some tarantulas that have never flicked hairs at me, and I have one grumpy boy who has recently decided to flick hairs any time I clean the water dish.




The severity of the reaction will depend on the species, amount of exposure, and the keeper's own immune system. (It is possible to sensitize over repeated exposures, so even if you have little or no reaction as a new keeper, that may change.)

Typically, exposure is not a medically significant issue (unless the hairs get in your eyeball, in which case you should see an eye doctor right away), just a nuisance. On me, it shows up as itchy bumps that look kind of like a poison ivy reaction. (I am fairly sensitive, so I will itch for a good week or two if I get careless when doing maintenance.)




The only people who would be exposed are people who are handling the tarantula (we recommend not handling) or caring for the tarantula.

Most exposure can be avoided simply by using tongs to do your maintenance and not directly touching anything you remove from the enclosure, like a dirty water dish. (Even if they don't kick hairs at you, they are likely to have shed some hairs around the enclosure.)

If you're cleaning an enclosure (such as after a rehousing), wear gloves.

Do not touch the exuviae/molt (especially the abdomen) with your bare hands.

Avoid touching your face during maintenance, and wash your hands after you open the enclosure to avoid transferring any hairs to sensitive areas.

Are sweatshirts, goggles (or any eye protection) and face mask needed? And are those really gonna protect me from it when doing maintenance?

A tarantula's propensity to flick hairs will depend on species and individual temperament. Most of the commonly recommended beginner species are fairly docile, but it's always possible to get an oddball that is more defensive than is usual for the species.

I have some tarantulas that have never flicked hairs at me, and I have one grumpy boy who has recently decided to flick hairs any time I clean the water dish.




The severity of the reaction will depend on the species, amount of exposure, and the keeper's own immune system. (It is possible to sensitize over repeated exposures, so even if you have little or no reaction as a new keeper, that may change.)

Typically, exposure is not a medically significant issue (unless the hairs get in your eyeball, in which case you should see an eye doctor right away), just a nuisance. On me, it shows up as itchy bumps that look kind of like a poison ivy reaction. (I am fairly sensitive, so I will itch for a good week or two if I get careless when doing maintenance.)




The only people who would be exposed are people who are handling the tarantula (we recommend not handling) or caring for the tarantula.

Most exposure can be avoided simply by using tongs to do your maintenance and not directly touching anything you remove from the enclosure, like a dirty water dish. (Even if they don't kick hairs at you, they are likely to have shed some hairs around the enclosure.)

If you're cleaning an enclosure (such as after a rehousing), wear gloves.

Do not touch the exuviae/molt (especially the abdomen) with your bare hands.

Avoid touching your face during maintenance, and wash your hands after you open the enclosure to avoid transferring any hairs to sensitive areas.

What if it gets on my clothes? Should I wash them separately from my family's clothes?

 

[Ungoliant]

Are sweatshirts, goggles (or any eye protection) and face mask needed? And are those really gonna protect me from it when doing maintenance?

For ordinary maintenance? That would be overkill.

Now, maybe if you are cleaning out the enclosure of a Theraphosa stirmi with a blower.

What if it gets on my clothes? Should I wash them separately from my family's clothes?

I've never bothered washing those clothes just for tarantula hair, let alone washing them separately. My husband (who sits right next to the enclosures but does not do any maintenance) has never had a reaction.

 

[gregg097]

For ordinary maintenance? That would be overkill.

Now, maybe if you are cleaning out the enclosure of a Theraphosa stirmi with a blower.




I've never bothered washing those clothes just for tarantula hair, let alone washing them separately. My husband (who sits right next to the enclosures but does not do any maintenance) has never had a reaction.

So I should just wear gloves when cleaning the enclosure and use tongs when feeding them? And last question, I know I shouldn't be in a hurry to have lots of them but I find other Tarantula species beautiful like Nhandu Chromatus, Ephebopus Murinus, Grammostola Pulchra and GBB, if I gain enough experience in Tarantula caring with dociles ones, what would be your advice when I get those four species that I mentioned? I've seen some people here in my country selling them on facebook groups.

 

[SonsofArachne]

I'm still confused of the boehmei, auratum, hamori

It could be B. emilia too. Fireleg is one of the most over used common names out there, which is why scientific names are important. Although to be fair, The care for those four species is the same.

 

[gregg097]

It could be B. emilia too. Fireleg is one of the most over used common names out there, which is why scientific names are important. Although to be fair, The care for those four species is the same.

Thank you for that tip.

 

[PhilMcWonder]

WELCOME TO OUR HOBBY

The hairs can be an issue if you have breathing issues or are allergic.
Even if you don't, breathing in the hairs or getting them in your eyes will cause bad irritation... They are like fiberglass...
Some Tarantulas have worse hairs then others but ANY hairs are bad. If your tarantula starts kicking hairs, put the lid back on the cage and stay away for a while.
Leave the tarantula alone and let the hairs dissipate/settle.

To keep your tarantula from kicking hairs there are a few things you can do.
1) Ensure the tarantula has a hiding spot available. That way It will be more likely to flee to its hiding spot if you startle it.
2) Make sure the enclosure is set up correctly for the Tarantula species. If the cage is not ideal it can stress out the tarantula and make it more likely to kick hairs.
3) Don't spook your tarantula. Slow careful movements when dealing with it and try not to suddenly jostle or breath on the tarantula (they are sensitive to vibrations).

Most tarantulas won't kick hairs if you leave them alone.
Most hairs are just irritating and wont pose a risk to your health but keep in mind some hairs are worse than others and can send you to the hospital, especially if you have a bad reaction to them.

It shouldn't be an issue though. There are plenty of people who never have their tarantulas kick any hairs at all. Just respect the animal and it will respect you.

 

[gregg097]

WELCOME TO OUR HOBBY

The hairs can be an issue if you have breathing issues or are allergic.
Even if you don't, breathing in the hairs or getting them in your eyes will cause bad irritation... They are like fiberglass...
Some Tarantulas have worse hairs then others but ANY hairs are bad. If your tarantula starts kicking hairs, put the lid back on the cage and stay away for a while.
Leave the tarantula alone and let the hairs dissipate/settle.

To keep your tarantula from kicking hairs there are a few things you can do.
1) Ensure the tarantula has a hiding spot available. That way It will be more likely to flee to its hiding spot if you startle it.
2) Make sure the enclosure is set up correctly for the Tarantula species. If the cage is not ideal it can stress out the tarantula and make it more likely to kick hairs.
3) Don't spook your tarantula. Slow careful movements when dealing with it and try not to suddenly jostle or breath on the tarantula (they are sensitive to vibrations).

Most tarantulas won't kick hairs if you leave them alone.
Most hairs are just irritating and wont pose a risk to your health but keep in mind some hairs are worse than others and can send you to the hospital, especially if you have a bad reaction to them.

It shouldn't be an issue though. There are plenty of people who never have their tarantulas kick any hairs at all. Just respect the animal and it will respect you.

Alright, thank you. I was just worried that everything in the house would have urticating hair on it and every stuffs my family touch in the house cause itchiness, I guess I was thinking too much.

 

[PhilMcWonder]

Alright, thank you. I was just worried that everything in the house would have urticating hair on it and every stuffs my family touch in the house cause itchiness, I guess I was thinking too much.

Its a legitimate concern. But honestly it shouldn't be too much of an issue... IT MAY be an issue at the start because rehousing a Tarantula is stressful to the T. But once the tarantula settles in it should be fine. Many Tarantula keeper never have their pets flick hairs at them but remember that every tarantula is different... some can be rather moody.

If you are really worried, wear gloves, a mask, and goggles when dealing with the tarantula. But that will most likely not be necessary.

For the record my Avicularia has never kicked hairs. But my buddy's has kick at him a few times. Different tarantulas, different personalities.

 

[PhilMcWonder]

You are getting a Brachypelma boehmei right?
Brachypelma in general are pretty chill. Some are quick to kick hairs but most are very calm.
If I recall correctly brachypelma smithi and/or Brachypelma hamorii are the ones that are prone to kick hairs a lot.
Not sure about Brachypelma boehmei though...

 

[gregg097]

Its a legitimate concern. But honestly it shouldn't be too much of an issue... IT MAY be an issue at the start because rehousing a Tarantula is stressful to the T. But once the tarantula settles in it should be fine. Many Tarantula keeper never have their pets flick hairs at them but remember that every tarantula is different... some can be rather moody.

If you are really worried, wear gloves, a mask, and goggles when dealing with the tarantula. But that will most likely not be necessary.

For the record my Avicularia has never kicked hairs. But my buddy's has kick at him a few times. Different tarantulas, different personalities.

I see. Thank you. How about the mold and mites, is there a way to fully prevent them? How often they could appear in the enclosure?

 

[Greasylake]

Nhandu Chromatus, Ephebopus Murinus, Grammostola Pulchra and GBB

Those are all good choices for the beginning of your T keeping, except maybe the murinus because they can have quite the attitude.

 

[Uial]

Also, just wash your hands after you did something in the T's enclosure if you do not use gloves. Simple but effective.

Don't be like me, I forgot and then rubbed my eyes and well, it was not a good day^^

Regarding mites and mold, our resident scientist boina wrote some helpful things on the matter:

About Mold:
http://arachnoboards.com/threads/all-you-need-to-know-about-mold.313315/

and Mites:
http://arachnoboards.com/threads/all-you-need-to-know-about-mites.309211/

 

[The Grym Reaper]

I'm planning to buy my first Tarantula (Fireleg)

I'm assuming that you mean Brachypelma boehmei (Mexican Fireleg).

0.1 Brachypelma boehmei

• The Grym Reaper
• Oct 30, 2018
• 8
• boehmei brachypelma brachypelma boehmei mexican fireleg tarantula

Armor rocking her new suit.

Please, for the love of Cthulu, learn the scientific names of any species you intend to keep, common names are next to useless.

"How useless?" You say. Well, the common name "Red Rump" applies to nearly a dozen species across multiple genera, "Pinktoe" applies to even more (plus all the various morphotypes), and any South American terrestrial species that gets over 5" gets referred to as a "Birdeater".

I just want to know if I should be worried about Tarantula's urticating hairs

Not massively, while they can be annoying, some people get overly paranoid about them.

I've heard about them, I've watched some famous Tarantula youtubers but they never talked about it, does that mean they never had that kind of problem and immune to it? I mean, they rehouse, feed and sometimes they even handle their Tarantulas without any protection, but they never mention about getting rashes or hair getting in their eyes, does that mean it depends on the person if he or she is prone to urticating hair?

Urticating hairs affect everyone differently.

Some people have no reaction to them at all, others only react to hairs from a small number of species (I fall into this category), and then you have those who break out in hives if they get haired or do routine maintenance without protection.

I only react to Acanthoscurria, Phormictopus, Nhandu, and Lasiodora hairs, Lasiodora hairs are by far the worst of the bunch for me and routine maintenance is not a problem for me, I only have a reaction if they kick hairs at me and having a shower/scrubbing any affected areas usually deals with any itching (any redness usually goes by the next day).

I'm afraid that those hairs would float around the house if I open the enclosure to feed them and my family or our dog (Shih-tzu) would get rashes or get sick.

Not unless your dog annoys the tarantula and subsequently gets a face full of hairs.

My brother have a slight sensitive skin, would his skin react even if he's not going near the Tarantula?

Highly unlikely.

And does rehousing and feeding the Tarantula also cause to hair flick?

Rehousing is more likely to get you haired than any routine maintenance because you are continually disturbing the tarantula during the process.

I have supposedly "flicky" species (B. boehmei/GBB/Nhandu spp./etc.) that have never kicked hairs at me* simply because I don't bother them any more than I have to.

*No, not because they're "broken", you bloody trolls.

 

[gregg097]

I'm assuming that you mean Brachypelma boehmei (Mexican Fireleg).

0.1 Brachypelma boehmei

• The Grym Reaper
• Oct 30, 2018
• 8
• boehmei brachypelma brachypelma boehmei mexican fireleg tarantula

Armor rocking her new suit.

Please, for the love of Cthulu, learn the scientific names of any species you intend to keep, common names are next to useless.

"How useless?" You say. Well, the common name "Red Rump" applies to nearly a dozen species across multiple genera, "Pinktoe" applies to even more (plus all the various morphotypes), and any South American terrestrial species that gets over 5" gets referred to as a "Birdeater".



Not massively, while they can be annoying, some people get overly paranoid about them.



Urticating hairs affect everyone differently.

Some people have no reaction to them at all, others only react to hairs from a small number of species (I fall into this category), and then you have those who break out in hives if they get haired or do routine maintenance without protection.

I only react to Acanthoscurria, Phormictopus, Nhandu, and Lasiodora hairs, Lasiodora hairs are by far the worst of the bunch for me and routine maintenance is not a problem for me, I only have a reaction if they kick hairs at me and having a shower/scrubbing any affected areas usually deals with any itching (any redness usually goes by the next day).



Not unless your dog annoys the tarantula and subsequently gets a face full of hairs.



Highly unlikely.



Rehousing is more likely to get you haired than any routine maintenance because you are continually disturbing the tarantula during the process.

I have supposedly "flicky" species (B. boehmei/GBB/Nhandu spp./etc.) that have never kicked hairs at me* simply because I don't bother them any more than I have to.

*No, not because they're "broken", you bloody trolls.

You should've read the replies above, I already apologized about not giving the proper scientific name, I didn't even repeat the word "Fireleg" after saying it once, in the facebook group (Tarantula buy and sell) that I joined, the only Tarantula they address as Fireleg is B. Boehmei so I thought it was the same in this forum, they call other Brachypelmas as fire knee or red knee, I never thought that this forum can be strict about the namings. Sorry, I know that common names are useless but I got used to it so I'm really sorry. Thanks for answering my questions though.

Also, just wash your hands after you did something in the T's enclosure if you do not use gloves. Simple but effective.

Don't be like me, I forgot and then rubbed my eyes and well, it was not a good day^^

Regarding mites and mold, our resident scientist boina wrote some helpful things on the matter:

About Mold:
http://arachnoboards.com/threads/all-you-need-to-know-about-mold.313315/

and Mites:
http://arachnoboards.com/threads/all-you-need-to-know-about-mites.309211/

Thank you so much.