Tarantula care basics
A secure setup, the right food and a hands-off approach keep a pet tarantula safe.
General care guidance. Needs vary by species, age and health. Your veterinarian can tailor a plan for your pet.
Know your spider
Many pet tarantulas, like the Stripe-Knee and the Colombian Giant Redleg, live on the ground and spend much of their time hidden or in a burrow.
Females can live much longer than males; some females live for decades. Plan for a long-term pet.
Heat and moisture needs differ by species. Ask our St. George team about the needs of the spider you bring home.
Set up the tank
Use a tank with a tight, locking screen lid. Many tarantulas can climb glass.
Add soft substrate like coconut fiber and at least one hide. Keep rocks and decor low and steady, so nothing falls on your spider and it cannot fall from high up.
Give a low, shallow water dish and keep it fresh. A deep dish can be a drowning risk.
Feeding
Most tarantulas eat live insects, like crickets. Choose crickets no longer than about half your spider's body.
If your tarantula has not eaten within about an hour, take the crickets out and try again in a few days.
Do not panic if your spider stops eating for a while. Tarantulas often stop eating before a molt.
Molting and handling
When a tarantula molts, it lies on its back. Do not touch or move it, and make sure no live crickets are in the tank. A cricket can kill a molting spider.
Tarantulas are pets to watch, not to hold. A fall can badly hurt or kill one.
Many tarantulas flick tiny hairs that make skin and eyes itch. Keep your face away and wash your hands after you clean the tank.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked November 1, 2026. These are original starter summaries; read the full guidance below.