Pest Identification
Tarantula Identification and Property Tips
| Apr 21, 2022
Female Texas brown tarantula viewed from above. Photo: Hamilton, Hendrixson and Bond, CC BY 4.0.
Missouri’s native Texas brown tarantula is a large, stocky spider. Its size can be startling, but an outdoor sighting alone is not a reason for treatment.
Identification and habits
The Texas brown tarantula is hairy and brown and lives close to the ground. It is different from the many tropical species described in pet guides. Large wolf spiders can also be mistaken for tarantulas.
What to do at your property
Observe without picking it up or disturbing its shelter. Keep children and pets from handling it. If a large spider enters a building or identification is uncertain, ask for help with identification and an appropriate response. Seek medical advice for a concerning bite or reaction.
Photograph the pest clearly and note where and when it appeared. Ask Plank about identification and whether inspection, prevention or selected treatment is appropriate. The service scope and any follow-up are confirmed for your property.
Reference: Missouri Department of Conservation: Texas brown tarantula.
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Photo: Chris A. Hamilton, Brent E. Hendrixson and Jason E. Bond, female Texas brown tarantula, CC BY 4.0. Used without further changes.
