How to Groom a Pet Tarantula

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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If you have a pet tarantula, you know that these kind of spiders are generally very clean animals. But if you notice that your pet has "let herself go" and is looking a bit worse for wear, you might consider giving her a gentle brushing. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Fingertip baby toothbrush, mousse or gel, anti-humectant pomade

Step 1

Keep your pet tarantula's environment as clean as possible. Removing any uneaten insect or mouse carcasses will do wonders for keeping her smelling and feeling fresh. Twice a year, dump out all the soil in your spider's tank, clean everything in hot, soapy water and let it dry in the sun.
Step 2

Hold your tarantula in the palm of your hand, and loosen any dirt or mites in her fur with a fingertip baby toothbrush. Moisten a cotton swab and wipe from head to toe. Be sure to get into the hard-to-reach places, such as where the legs join the body. Let air dry.
Step 3

See if your tarantula's fur is tending to get frizzy in the humidity required for good health. Consider applying a small amount of mousse or gel, followed by a touch of anti-humectant pomade.

Tips & Warnings

Spiders tend to get ragged halfway between moltings. This is the best time for a grooming. Avoid the molting and post-molting stages, because the spider must be very careful to protect his new, soft skin.
Understand that you will have to work quickly. Tarantulas do not stay still for long.

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