What's a Tarantula?
A tarantula is a hairy spider that is part of the arachnid family, which also includes
mites, ticks, and scorpions.
Tarantulas are found all over the world and can grow up to 5 inches long, but those
found in the United States are usually about 2 to 3 inches long (about the length
of a crayon).
Tarantulas can be black, brown, gray, or even brightly colored. Most people are
afraid of tarantulas because they are so large and weird-looking, but the truth is
that these spiders are not dangerous. They live in nests in the ground and are pretty
timid, avoiding people whenever they can.
What a Bite Looks and Feels Like
If a person gets bitten by a tarantula, the bite will probably feel a lot like
a bee sting, with pain in the
area of the bite. It will look like a bee sting, too, with redness and some swelling.
Because the tarantula's venom (poison) is weak, it's unusual to have more severe
reactions involving other parts of the body.
What You Should Do
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.
What a Doctor Will Do
Allergic reactions to a tarantula's bite are unusual. But just like some people
have allergic reactions to bee stings (like trouble breathing or feeling sick), some
people may have allergic reactions to tarantula bites. If a doctor suspects that someone
is allergic to a tarantula bite, he or she will treat the person with medicine to
fight this reaction.
How to Avoid Getting Bitten
If you come across a tarantula, don't bother it or try to play with it. These spiders
will not bite you unless they feel threatened — if you leave them alone, they
will leave you alone.