What Do Tarantulas Eat?

What Do Tarantulas Eat?

Tarantulas are fascinating creatures that often capture people’s curiosity due to their size, appearance, and unique behaviors. While they may seem intimidating, tarantulas are typically harmless to humans and play a vital role in the ecosystem. At Budget Brothers Termite & Pest, we believe in providing accurate information to help you better understand these arachnids and how to manage them if they make their way onto your property.

Understanding Tarantulas’ Diet

Tarantulas are carnivorous arachnids, relying on a diet of live prey to survive. Unlike insects that chew their food, tarantulas use their fangs to inject venom, immobilizing their prey and liquefying it for consumption. According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, tarantulas are active hunters, feeding primarily on insects and other small animals.

What Do Tarantulas Eat in the Wild?

In their natural habitats, tarantulas primarily feed on:

• Insects: Crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and cockroaches are staples in a tarantula’s diet. These insects provide the protein and nutrients tarantulas need to thrive.
• Small Vertebrates: Larger species of tarantulas may occasionally eat small vertebrates, such as lizards, frogs, or even baby mice.
• Other Arachnids: Tarantulas are opportunistic feeders and may prey on smaller spiders or scorpions.

Tarantulas use their powerful fangs to subdue prey and their specialized mouthparts to consume the liquefied meal.

What Do Pet Tarantulas Eat?

For those who keep tarantulas as pets, their diet typically consists of:

• Store-Bought Insects: Crickets and mealworms are the most common feeder insects for pet tarantulas.
• Occasional Treats: Some tarantula owners feed their pets waxworms or small roaches as a treat, but these should be given sparingly.

It’s important to note that tarantulas need live prey. They rely on movement to locate and capture their meals, so dead insects are not suitable for feeding.

How Often Do Tarantulas Eat?

Tarantulas are not frequent eaters. Depending on their size and species, they may eat:

• Once a Week: Smaller or younger tarantulas generally require more frequent feedings.
• Every Few Weeks: Larger or adult tarantulas can go weeks without eating, especially if they’ve consumed a large meal.

During molting (shedding their exoskeleton), tarantulas stop eating entirely. This is a normal part of their growth cycle and can last several days to weeks.

Are Tarantulas Dangerous?

While tarantulas may look intimidating, they pose little threat to humans. Their venom is mild and comparable to a bee sting in its effects. Tarantulas are shy creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation and will only bite if provoked.

Related Article: Do Tarantulas Bite and Are They Dangerous?

Managing Tarantulas on Your Property

Tarantulas are beneficial predators that help control insect populations. However, if you notice a large number of tarantulas around your home or are uncomfortable with their presence, here are a few steps you can take:

• Eliminate Attractants: Reduce outdoor lighting, which attracts the insects tarantulas prey on.
• Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps around doors, windows, and foundations to prevent tarantulas from entering your home.
• Maintain Your Yard: Clear away debris, tall grass, and clutter where tarantulas might hide.

If you’re dealing with a tarantula issue, Budget Brothers Termite & Pest is here to help with safe and effective pest management solutions.

Why Choose Budget Brothers for Tarantula Pest Control?

At Budget Brothers, we provide expert tarantula pest control services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with tarantulas, termites, or any other pest, our experienced team can help protect your home and property.

Contact Us Today

Curious about tarantulas or concerned about their presence on your property? Let Budget Brothers Termite & Pest help.

📞 Call us at 602-493-7555

💻 Visit BudgetBrothersTermite.com

Related Article: What You Need to Know About Tarantulas