Urticating Hair Paranoia

[Moroes]

So, for years I've been keeping reptiles, and bugs in general, and after 40+ years miraculously overcame arachnophobia. After all the videos / threads on beginner species, the one that appeals the most to me that has urticating hairs is the Grammostola Pulchripes. I hear it has one of the least reactive hairs compared to the 7 or so types, though worry about things such as.

1) How high up can they kick hair?
2) Can the hairs stick to glass / plastic?
3) Is it foolish for a beginner to use a front opening exo terra tank? The substrate would be much closer to the opening, potentially allowing hairs to fall out?
4) How can you tell after wearing gloves, and washing your hands, if you're safe to touch your face?
5) Can a person 100% avoid getting haired? Or is it just a matter of time before 1 tiny hair makes it's way on you?

I've watched countless videos from let's say Tarantula Collective for example, though the way he does his stuff, he has no glasses, no gloves, and he's been haired a few times before.
Maybe I'm overthinking it, but the hairs can be a big deal, and I'm trying to more understand how they can get around, versus just reading and hearing "Don't stick your face in the tank. Wear gloves, then throw them out." I feel like it doesn't still fully explain the intricate details I'd like to know, before finally buying my first T. It's been almost 5 years, and I keep putting it off, because just when I feel like I'm ready, I keep hearing a horror story about the hairs, and then contemplate just getting a Neoholothele incei or Dolichothele diamantinensis. Not that those are terrible choices, though I wonder, do I want a slow spider with hairs, or one that teleports with no hairs.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

So, for years I've been keeping reptiles, and bugs in general, and after 40+ years miraculously overcame arachnophobia. After all the videos / threads on beginner species, the one that appeals the most to me that has urticating hairs is the Grammostola Pulchripes. I hear it has one of the least reactive hairs compared to the 7 or so types, though worry about things such as.

1) How high up can they kick hair?
2) Can the hairs stick to glass / plastic?
3) Is it foolish for a beginner to use a front opening exo terra tank? The substrate would be much closer to the opening, potentially allowing hairs to fall out?
4) How can you tell after wearing gloves, and washing your hands, if you're safe to touch your face?
5) Can a person 100% avoid getting haired? Or is it just a matter of time before 1 tiny hair makes it's way on you?

I've watched countless videos from let's say Tarantula Collective for example, though the way he does his stuff, he has no glasses, no gloves, and he's been haired a few times before.
Maybe I'm overthinking it, but the hairs can be a big deal, and I'm trying to more understand how they can get around, versus just reading and hearing "Don't stick your face in the tank. Wear gloves, then throw them out." I feel like it doesn't still fully explain the intricate details I'd like to know, before finally buying my first T. It's been almost 5 years, and I keep putting it off, because just when I feel like I'm ready, I keep hearing a horror story about the hairs, and then contemplate just getting a Neoholothele incei or Dolichothele diamantinensis. Not that those are terrible choices, though I wonder, do I want a slow spider with hairs, or one that teleports with no hairs.

you might find some info here.

Worst Urticating Hairs In tarantulas????OUCH ...which ones HURT the most?

I once cleaned out my Nhando coloratovillosus cage & got into contact with its hairs... my hands burned for 20+ HOURS@!@!@! aparently it kicked so many hairs in the subsrate I had a HORRIBLE reaction & the Itching lasted 20+ hours it also kicked hairs at me before & I itched for 10+ hour's...

arachnoboards.com

 

[jbooth]

1.) A decent distance and air currents will play a factor, they can just float around
2.) They stick to everything
3.) The spider is the bigger worry falling out for terrestrials, leave some space at least
4.) That should make it safe... if your hand itches, don't touch your face
5.) You'll probably get some now and then, I'm very sensitive, so I do notice Grammostola hairs, but I wouldn't say they are bad at all, maybe the level of brushing up against grass which I'm allergic to.

I handled Grammostola porteri almost daily as a teenager and never got anything in my eyes that I could differentiate from allergies, although a few times I was sure it was hairs.

 

[viper69]

1) How high up can they kick hair?
2) Can the hairs stick to glass / plastic?
3) Is it foolish for a beginner to use a front opening exo terra tank? The substrate would be much closer to the opening, potentially allowing hairs to fall out?
4) How can you tell after wearing gloves, and washing your hands, if you're safe to touch your face?
5) Can a person 100% avoid getting haired? Or is it just a matter of time before 1 tiny hair makes it's way on you?

A cloud! Setae will float on air currents in your room- good luck!
Yea!
No
You can’t
Never It’s a crap shoot all the time

There are NW species without UrS. They are smaller and much faster than your candidate

UrS are the most dangerous in your eye, some authors speculate embedded UrS could lead to blindness

 

[Moroes]

Thanks for the replies. I had no idea they could float around with air current, and stuck to everything. That might explain why some keepers after some years, report getting allergic reactions simply walking into their room where they keep all their T's.

 

[NMTs]

Here are a couple things to remember/consider:

- While many NW species have UrS, not all of them are prone to kicking those hairs defensively on a regular basis. Some will kick with very little provocation (B. boehmei, for example), and others will have to be harassed severely before they resort to hair kicking. Some of the larger, slower species, like G. porteri, rosea, pulchirpes, and quirogai/pulchra tend to be less prone to hair kicking. A lot of species will kick hairs a lot when they're young, but will grow out of it.
- All of them will usually deposit hairs around their enclosure, in their burrow, and on webbing as a passive means of defense. If you find it necessary to change substrate or handle webbing, then it's a good idea to wear gloves, long sleeves, and keep your face at a safe distance from the work you're doing (wear goggles/masks if it makes you feel safer).
- It's true that hairs will float around in the air for a while after being kicked, but if the T isn't provoked into kicking, it's not like you're going to walk into a cloud of hairs each time you enter the room.
- Front opening tanks are fine for beginners, but they're not ideal for all species of tarantula. Heavy-bodied, terrestrial species (which are what most beginner species are) need a tank that is wider than it is tall, and the substrate should be no more than 1.5 times the legspan of the T from the top of the tank - something that is difficult to achieve with front opening enclosures.

All-in-all, I think it's normal to be concerned about the UrS when you have no experience with them, but as long as you are respectful of your T's space and don't provoke it into kicking often, it is really a non-issue.

 

[TLSizzle]

What caused the uptick in Uhair threads I wonder? Did a video go viral about someone getting seriously injured by them or something?
I got some hairs on me while I rehoused my 2 larger Ts, felt itchy until I washed my arms off. Then was fine. The problem is that each person reacts differently. All you can do is try to minimize the exposure.

 

[MariaLewisia]

Thanks for the replies. I had no idea they could float around with air current, and stuck to everything. That might explain why some keepers after some years, report getting allergic reactions simply walking into their room where they keep all their T's.

Contrary to many other reaction causing stuff, allergy/reactions to hairs gets worse the more you're exposed to them. So if you've gotten haired a LOT over the years, simply walking into a room with some floating around in the air can be enough to get a reaction while a person who has never gotten haired might not even notice.

That being said, I don't think you should be afraid of the hairs unless you're extremely allergic. As NMTs said, far from every T with urticating hairs kick them regularly, if ever. Only three or four of my NWs with urticating hairs have kicked them at me, ever, and I have over 50 of them. Most of them just kick at their webbing and substrate to lay down as warning to unwanted guests. Keep them stress free and don't provoke and you'll be fine.

 

[MariaLewisia]

What caused the uptick in Uhair threads I wonder? Did a video go viral about someone getting seriously injured by them or something?
I got some hairs on me while I rehoused my 2 larger Ts, felt itchy until I washed my arms off. Then was fine. The problem is that each person reacts differently. All you can do is try to minimize the exposure.

I noticed that as well. Like 4-5 threads at once.

 

[Moroes]

Here are a couple things to remember/consider:

- While many NW species have UrS, not all of them are prone to kicking those hairs defensively on a regular basis. Some will kick with very little provocation (B. boehmei, for example), and others will have to be harassed severely before they resort to hair kicking. Some of the larger, slower species, like G. porteri, rosea, pulchirpes, and quirogai/pulchra tend to be less prone to hair kicking. A lot of species will kick hairs a lot when they're young, but will grow out of it.
- All of them will usually deposit hairs around their enclosure, in their burrow, and on webbing as a passive means of defense. If you find it necessary to change substrate or handle webbing, then it's a good idea to wear gloves, long sleeves, and keep your face at a safe distance from the work you're doing (wear goggles/masks if it makes you feel safer).
- It's true that hairs will float around in the air for a while after being kicked, but if the T isn't provoked into kicking, it's not like you're going to walk into a cloud of hairs each time you enter the room.
- Front opening tanks are fine for beginners, but they're not ideal for all species of tarantula. Heavy-bodied, terrestrial species (which are what most beginner species are) need a tank that is wider than it is tall, and the substrate should be no more than 1.5 times the legspan of the T from the top of the tank - something that is difficult to achieve with front opening enclosures.

All-in-all, I think it's normal to be concerned about the UrS when you have no experience with them, but as long as you are respectful of your T's space and don't provoke it into kicking often, it is really a non-issue.

Thanks for your input. Yeah, I'm really considering the G. Pulchripes. I don't plan on playing around in there. It's not a bearded dragon lol. I'd have to get a top opening tank in that case, and likely get a custom lid, so they don't get their legs stuck like I've heard they can, and to prevent hairs from floating out of the tank. I'd likely use nitrile gloves or whatever it's called, with long tongs to spot clean, and be mindful when giving water, so I reduce the risk of hairs. Yeah, all in all, it's just that thing of I have 0 experience with T's, and their hairs if not careful, can be disastrous, and many admit, it's just a matter of time before you get a hair or so on you, and getting one in the eye can be quite devastating.

What caused the uptick in Uhair threads I wonder? Did a video go viral about someone getting seriously injured by them or something?
I got some hairs on me while I rehoused my 2 larger Ts, felt itchy until I washed my arms off. Then was fine. The problem is that each person reacts differently. All you can do is try to minimize the exposure.

Not sure. I think it's because after nearly 5 years of really being excited of getting a T, and being over my arachnophobia, I want to be 1000% sure I'm ready to take the proper steps with the hairs, and not make a mistake. Getting them on my arm would not worry me, it's what if I missed one, and it remained on my arm or hand, and I go to wipe my face from sweating, or whatever, and then I go blind. I know it sounds dramatic, but It's just one of those things I wanna make sure I'm fully confident before I make the move. This is why I also contemplated a NW dwarf with no hairs like a Neoholothele incei or Dolichothele diamantinensis. I'm far less nervous about teleporting than hairs, but understand that most strongly advise against those for a first T.

 

[NMTs]

Not sure. I think it's because after nearly 5 years of really being excited of getting a T, and being over my arachnophobia, I want to be 1000% sure I'm ready to take the proper steps with the hairs, and not make a mistake. Getting them on my arm would not worry me, it's what if I missed one, and it remained on my arm or hand, and I go to wipe my face from sweating, or whatever, and then I go blind. I know it sounds dramatic, but It's just one of those things I wanna make sure I'm fully confident before I make the move. This is why I also contemplated a NW dwarf with no hairs like a Neoholothele incei or Dolichothele diamantinensis. I'm far less nervous about teleporting than hairs, but understand that most strongly advise against those for a first T.

You just have to develop a good routine for doing husbandry and you can eliminate much of the risk. Always washing hands with soap and water thoroughly before AND after doing any maintenance/feeding/watering/etc., and using the proper equipment will go a long ways towards making your T keeping experience enjoyable and not worrisome.

Regarding some of the small species without UrS: yes, they're faster than most of the larger species with urticating setae, but generally speaking they are not overly defensive or aggressive - they are just looking to get away. So, the consideration for their speed should be about containing them rather than avoiding a bite. Can they bite? Sure, they are just far, far more likely to try to run away from you than they are to run at you. Containing them during rehousing (when their speed really comes into play) is relatively simple using the right strategies - there are lots of threads about rehousing techniques for tips. I love the little ones! They're always busy - you don't see many small/dwarf species that fit the "pet rock" description.

 

[Arachnophobphile]

So, for years I've been keeping reptiles, and bugs in general, and after 40+ years miraculously overcame arachnophobia. After all the videos / threads on beginner species, the one that appeals the most to me that has urticating hairs is the Grammostola Pulchripes. I hear it has one of the least reactive hairs compared to the 7 or so types, though worry about things such as.

1) How high up can they kick hair?
2) Can the hairs stick to glass / plastic?
3) Is it foolish for a beginner to use a front opening exo terra tank? The substrate would be much closer to the opening, potentially allowing hairs to fall out?
4) How can you tell after wearing gloves, and washing your hands, if you're safe to touch your face?
5) Can a person 100% avoid getting haired? Or is it just a matter of time before 1 tiny hair makes it's way on you?

I've watched countless videos from let's say Tarantula Collective for example, though the way he does his stuff, he has no glasses, no gloves, and he's been haired a few times before.
Maybe I'm overthinking it, but the hairs can be a big deal, and I'm trying to more understand how they can get around, versus just reading and hearing "Don't stick your face in the tank. Wear gloves, then throw them out." I feel like it doesn't still fully explain the intricate details I'd like to know, before finally buying my first T. It's been almost 5 years, and I keep putting it off, because just when I feel like I'm ready, I keep hearing a horror story about the hairs, and then contemplate just getting a Neoholothele incei or Dolichothele diamantinensis. Not that those are terrible choices, though I wonder, do I want a slow spider with hairs, or one that teleports with no hairs.

There's a reason I've always replied to people about UrS with a focus on a person's eyes.

Not many keepers give it a second thought. Usually new keepers and those that just have to handle their NW T's that possess UrS.

I'm posting this link for your reading. It's not the same original new's posting I read on about a different person from the U.K. that actually had to have eye surgery performed to remove UrS. Nonetheless it's still a worthy read. It's also why I take eye protection very seriously.

Tarantula shoots sharp hairs into owner’s eye

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Moroes]

There's a reason I've always replied to people about UrS with a focus on a person's eyes.

Not many keepers give it a second thought. Usually new keepers and those that just have to handle their NW T's that possess UrS.

I'm posting this link for your reading. It's not the same original new's posting I read on about a different person from the U.K. that actually had to have eye surgery performed to remove UrS. Nonetheless it's still a worthy read. It's also why I take eye protection very seriously.

Tarantula shoots sharp hairs into owner’s eye

www.nbcnews.com

Yeah, to me it's a big deal. I'll have goggles, gloves, and a special lid with side holes as well to allow proper ventilation, but to make it so a hair blowing out is unlikely. Then I'd have to be meticulous with the tongs when I go in, to make sure I don't accidentally bring some hairs out on the tongs / big tweezers as the hairs I've been told stick to everything. I know I'm likely overthinking it, but I'm a quick learner when I see it done in action. If I saw a video of someone doing rehousing / cleaning maintenance, I'd likely feel better, but as I've said as much as I love watching Tom Moran, Tarantula Collective, etc. None of them wear gloves, eye protection, and just go about their business like it's a bearded dragon.

 

[Arachnophobphile]

Yeah, to me it's a big deal. I'll have goggles, gloves, and a special lid with side holes as well to allow proper ventilation, but to make it so a hair blowing out is unlikely. Then I'd have to be meticulous with the tongs when I go in, to make sure I don't accidentally bring some hairs out on the tongs / big tweezers as the hairs I've been told stick to everything. I know I'm likely overthinking it, but I'm a quick learner when I see it done in action. If I saw a video of someone doing rehousing / cleaning maintenance, I'd likely feel better, but as I've said as much as I love watching Tom Moran, Tarantula Collective, etc. None of them wear gloves, eye protection, and just go about their business like it's a bearded dragon.

Tom Moran actually wears protection when he's rehousing T's with bad UrS.

My best advice is to ditch Tarantula Collective. He does alot of shady videos and got himself involved with a shady dealer in the past. He makes alot of over-dramatic BS info on T's.

One thing to keep in mind when doing rehouses. Know your tarantula. Is it a known NW kicker then proceed wisely.

Tarantulas like T. blondi not just require but demand protection when rehousing larger ones.

 

[SpookySpooder]

as much as I love watching Tom Moran, Tarantula Collective, etc. None of them wear gloves, eye protection, and just go about their business like it's a bearded dragon.

And some people ride their motorcycles without all their gear, as if they're walking in the park with their basketball shorts and sneakers. I see it a lot when I'm on my bike. It is a conscious decision and a choice all adults make to assess their own risk/reward behaviors.

I use safety goggles when I work with power tools, shoot firearms, do anything involving chemicals, or to do T maintenance.

I wear ATGATT when I hit the streets.

That's just me. I like my health.

 

[Moroes]

And some people ride their motorcycles without all their gear, as if they're walking in the park with their basketball shorts and sneakers. I see it a lot when I'm on my bike. It is a conscious decision and a choice all adults make to assess their own risk/reward behaviors.

I use safety goggles when I work with power tools, shoot firearms, do anything involving chemicals, or to do T maintenance.

I wear ATGATT when I hit the streets.

That's just me. I like my health.

Yeah, to each their own. I just meant I wish I could see in action someone who takes the precautions, as I'm more of a visual learner.

 

[ResinBomb]

Thanks for your input. Yeah, I'm really considering the G. Pulchripes. I don't plan on playing around in there. It's not a bearded dragon lol. I'd have to get a top opening tank in that case, and likely get a custom lid, so they don't get their legs stuck like I've heard they can, and to prevent hairs from floating out of the tank. I'd likely use nitrile gloves or whatever it's called, with long tongs to spot clean, and be mindful when giving water, so I reduce the risk of hairs. Yeah, all in all, it's just that thing of I have 0 experience with T's, and their hairs if not careful, can be disastrous, and many admit, it's just a matter of time before you get a hair or so on you, and getting one in the eye can be quite devastating.


Not sure. I think it's because after nearly 5 years of really being excited of getting a T, and being over my arachnophobia, I want to be 1000% sure I'm ready to take the proper steps with the hairs, and not make a mistake. Getting them on my arm would not worry me, it's what if I missed one, and it remained on my arm or hand, and I go to wipe my face from sweating, or whatever, and then I go blind. I know it sounds dramatic, but It's just one of those things I wanna make sure I'm fully confident before I make the move. This is why I also contemplated a NW dwarf with no hairs like a Neoholothele incei or Dolichothele diamantinensis. I'm far less nervous about teleporting than hairs, but understand that most strongly advise against those for a first T.

You'll be fine. I have a G. Pulchripes and it has never kicked hairs at me. I have come into contact with them and it's really mild. However like others have said everyone reacts different. I do water bowl cleanings with no gloves or anything and it's an extremely mild itch at best until I wash my hands.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

You'll be fine. I have a G. Pulchripes and it has never kicked hairs at me. I have come into contact with them and it's really mild. However like others have said everyone reacts different. I do water bowl cleanings with no gloves or anything and it's an extremely mild itch at best until I wash my hands.

Repeated exposure to urts makes it stronger each time. I almost never get haired because I use tongs and stuff to grab water dishes. And I give spiders oversized enclosures so they don’t kick hairs when I open the cage lid.

 

[Wenzer]

Yeah, to each their own. I just meant I wish I could see in action someone who takes the precautions, as I'm more of a visual learner.

Here is a video by Tom Moran in which he uses gloves and long sleeves during a rehouse of his Thrixopelma ockerti. Around the 5 minute mark he talks a little bit about it too since they're another notorious hair kicking species

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Here is a video by Tom Moran in which he uses gloves and long sleeves during a rehouse of his Thrixopelma ockerti. Around the 5 minute mark he talks a little bit about it too since they're another notorious hair kicking species

thats smart !!
I have to wear a jacket regular long sleeves the hairs will still get me. Oddly I couldn’t find a windbreaker anywhere I checked. Mine no longer fits. Although medium length glove’s usually keep me from getting haired.