“Oh no! That’s not good!”
Those are probably the first few words out of your mouth when your pet tarantula goes missing. We get it, losing a pet tarantula can be a nerve-wracking experience, just like losing any pet can be. However, with the right approach, you can find your pet in no time at all!
Here’s a guide on what you should do if your beloved tarantula escapes! You can say goodbye to panicking and hello to relief! Let’s find out more!
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
When your pet tarantula escapes, stay calm. When you panic, it becomes difficult to think clearly and make informed decisions.
Take a moment to stop, take a deep breath, and gather your thoughts. Assess the situation by thinking about where you last saw your tarantula, and if there were any potential escape routes nearby. Understanding where your tarantula could have escaped can help you narrow down where you should begin your search.
Start by surveying the area around the enclosure to see any obvious weak points that might have allowed your little pet to slip out. A calm approach with methodical thinking will help you avoid overlooking any potential hiding spots where your spider may be seeking refuge. Losing a pet insect can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with a systematic approach, you can improve your chances of finding it.
2. Search Popular Hiding Spots
Tarantulas are naturals at finding dark, secluded areas where they feel secure. Begin your thorough search by looking in locations where your tarantula is most likely to hide. This includes places such as under furniture like sofas, chairs, and beds.
You should also check the spaces underneath or behind large appliances including refrigerators and washing machines, as these items could provide a cool and dark retreat for your pet. Make sure that you don’t overlook any closets and cabinets, especially if they have boxes or containers that your spider could have crawled inside.
In addition to these spaces, lift any rugs and carpets to see if your pet tarantula may be hiding underneath. Be totally methodical in your search and survey all these areas thoroughly. You wouldn’t think it, but tarantulas can hide in very small spaces you wouldn’t think of.
3. Search in Low Light
Since tarantulas are nocturnal animals and prefer low-light environments, searching in lower lighting can be super effective when it comes to finding them. Make sure you turn off any bright overhead lights and use a flashlight with a red filter. Red light is much less likely to scare your tarantula compared to white light which can be quite harsh and frightening.
Move as slowly as possible, using the red light to highlight any potential hiding spots that may be concealing your spider’s location.
4. Retrace Your Steps
Retracing your steps may sound simple, but it is actually a very helpful strategy when it comes to finding your lost tarantula. Start by thinking back to anything that could’ve led to your pet escaping. Revisit the area around the enclosure and try to identify any gaps or signs of tampering that may have allowed your pet to escape. Did someone open the enclosure? Did the spider escape through a weak spot?
Consider any recent changes to the spider’s habitat. For example, stacking decorations in a corner could have allowed your tarantula to climb out of its tank. You should also think of any interactions that occurred just before you noticed that your pet had escaped. By carefully thinking back, you can find any potential escape routes and figure out where you should be searching.
5. Leave Out Moist Paper Towels
Moist paper towels are a great way to attract a lost tarantula. This is because tarantulas are sensitive creatures and prefer humid conditions. So, by placing damp paper towels in multiple places around your home, you can draw your large spider from its hiding place.
Make sure that you put them in areas where you think your pet might be hiding like in dark corners or near furniture. Change out or refresh the towels as often as possible to keep them damp.
6. Alert Others in the Household
Once you’ve realized that your pet has escaped, tell others in the household. Not only can your family, friends, and roommates aid in your search, but they can also be careful not to accidentally step on the spider.
Coordinate your efforts to ensure every person searches a different area, covering more ground. Share any specific instructions or locations where your pet may be. Keeping everyone in your house up to date can prevent any confusion and ensure your search is efficient and thorough.
7. Prevent Future Escapes
After you’ve found your tarantula, it’s critical to prevent future escapes. Here are some helpful tips:
- Secure the enclosure: Make sure that your tarantula’s enclosure is completely escape-proof. Use a secure lid or cover with no gaps where the tarantula could slip through. Inspect the enclosure often for any signs of wear or damage.
- Check for gaps: Carefully check the enclosure for any small openings or cracks. Seal any gaps to prevent future escapes.
- Maintain proper humidity: Tarantulas need proper humidity in their enclosures, or else they’ll try escaping to find better conditions.
- Provide enrichment: Spiders may not have brains the same way we do, but they still need enrichment, such as places to hide and burrow.
- Monitor the environment: Regularly inspect and maintain the habitat to ensure it remains secure and comfortable for your beloved pet.
