Tarantula

Tarantulas are the largest and hairiest of spiders. Their body length is around 2″-3″ and their leg span around 5″. Coloration can be from tan to dark brown with various colored markings. They are probably more common as pets, than as pests in this area. They spend most of their time hiding in places like burrows, and are nocturnal. However, males venture out looking for mates – making them more common to be seen. Tarantulas can live up to 20 years, and can go very long periods of time without eating. Possessing hairs with tiny barbs on them, the tarantula will sometimes use them for defense. These hairs can be very irritating to humans, and cause allergic reactions. They also have a slightly poisonous bite, which is compared to a bee sting. On occasion they can wander into a house through an open door, but aren’t considered to be hostile. They can be transplanted elsewhere to help control other insects.