How dangerous are essential oils to tarantulas?

[MintyWood826]

Are some kinds harmless and some dangerous? Would you have to drip some onto a T to harm it, or what?

 

[Garth Vader]

There's been some threads on this in the past, and well, we don't really know exactly and if you are overly worried, just don't expose your Ts to the oils.

I have a diffuser in my room and I use it occasionally- usually with eucalyptus oil and lavender oil. I also have a spray bottle of water mixed with some oils that I spray sometimes. My Ts seem fine- I don't spray it near them or put the diffuser very close to them. They are in the enclosures and also inside of a locked cabinet so there are some barriers. I use these oils sometimes to help with my allergies and breathing issues with all this darn pollen and smoke this year, so I realize I take a little risk doing that. I have not seen it affect the Ts at all.

Be careful though. Some essential oils are used to repel inverts (like peppermint and lemongrass) so to be completely safe, just refrain from using around Ts. Or if you are using, dilute it in a lot of water, don't use it neat, don't ever get near your enclosures with any trace of it on your hands. Definitely don't drip it onto a T! (I figure you are joking about that!)

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Are some kinds harmless and some dangerous? Would you have to drip some onto a T to harm it, or what?

Don't know, but I'd rather prefer to put an half destroyed beer can into my 0.1 P.murinus enclosure as hide (after all, in the wild of Africa happens worst) rather than light one of that smelly crap even slightly near her

 

[MintyWood826]

I'm just being paranoid because I'm trying a new lotion and it has essential oils so I'll take precautions just in case.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

I'm just being paranoid because I'm trying a new lotion and it has essential oils so I'll take precautions just in case.

Well, remaining paranoid never killed no one, you know

So, in doubt, best thing is always v

https://media.giphy.com/media/l0IyhdVAFdKe5WuQM/giphy.gif

 

[Greasylake]

Don't know, but I'd rather prefer to put an half destroyed beer can into my 0.1 P.murinus enclosure as hide (after all, in the wild of Africa happens worst) rather than light one of that smelly crap even slightly near her

My slings love to use these as hides especially the old worlds, reminds them of home maybe.

 

[Garth Vader]

I'm just being paranoid because I'm trying a new lotion and it has essential oils so I'll take precautions just in case.

What kind of essential oils?

I would just be careful about having it on your hands. Like don't put on lotion right before enclosure maintenance, for example.

My guess is that you'll be fine, though.

 

[PeteysPizza]

Well, remaining paranoid never killed no one, you know

hat to break it to ya but... Click on this

 

[MintyWood826]

What kind of essential oils?

Lavender. Which is one of the two that you said you use so I'm not as worried I'll just

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Lavender. Which is one of the two that you said you use so I'm not as worried I'll just

I can’t even go near new worlds without gloves, and long sleeves. Everytime I forget sleeves I break out.
Handling ts would be only way I’d imagine hand Lotion could bother a tarantula ?
Essentially oils are what in candles? How could smell of oils harm a t ? So do Ts have a sense of smell somehow?
I’m so confused by this topic !!!!

 

[AnObeseHippo]

I can’t even go near new worlds without gloves, and long sleeves. Everytime I forget sleeves I break out.
Handling ts would be only way I’d imagine hand Lotion could bother a tarantula ?
Essentially oils are what in candles? How could smell of oils harm a t ? So do Ts have a sense of smell somehow?
I’m so confused by this topic !!!!

Well then by that logic, how could the smell of pesticides harm a Tarantula?

 

[Jayk]

they'll be fine. I keep mine in my room, and i smoke in here and they don't seem to care, they just getting about their business. as long as its not in direct contact with them, they wont care.

 

[Garth Vader]

I can’t even go near new worlds without gloves, and long sleeves. Everytime I forget sleeves I break out.
Handling ts would be only way I’d imagine hand Lotion could bother a tarantula ?
Essentially oils are what in candles? How could smell of oils harm a t ? So do Ts have a sense of smell somehow?
I’m so confused by this topic !!!!

Essential oils are in lotions, sprays, sometimes people just the oils. They are very concentrated so even if a kid or dog gets into the oils they could get very sick. Some oils are condidered natural pesticides- for example people spray peppermint around the perimeter of the house to keep spiders away.

If you have any oil on your hands, it could potentially get onto a feeder, or the water dish, even if you aren't touching the tarantula directly.

 

[Crone Returns]

I use (alternately) two lotions that have essential oils. I've never had a problem. But! I don't handle my Ts.
Wash your hands before filling water dishes, etc. And don't spray near your Ts. I use essential oil incense, but it's not burned near them and the windows are open.
Same for smudges.
Peppermint and cloves are used as bugs repellents and killers. I believe that cloves kill only if sprayed directly on the invertebrate.

 

[Ellenantula]

Short of direct T contact, I do use essential oils in my home, put flea spot on my cat (IF needed - she stays indoors), clean my glass with Windex (I tried using only vinegar, but really, I just preferred the Windex), use Pledge cleaner on wood furniture, etc... I suppose I break a lot of rules. I never use Raid or Hot Shot, would never bomb or spray my home, etc.. I feel the essential oils leave a nice scent without using chemical sprays -- just a few drops of essential oil in my diffuser and some nice music makes me happy and uplifts my whole mood. I also refresh my Eucalyptus dried arrangement with Eucalyptus oil and that helps me breathe better -- esp at night. I don't use essential oils in my T room and my Ts aren't exposed to my cat.

I've never had a problem. If that ever changes, I would own-up and post here. I care deeply about my T's health. But for now, I mostly live as usual and just wash my hands well before and after T feedings, maintenance, etc..

Ultimately, a T keeper must decide for themselves what risks they are willing to take.