Death is rare, usually occuring among young children. Treatment includes antivenin, especially for children, elderly, or those with underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease. Aspirin, acetaminophen, morphine, muscle relaxants and calcium have been used. They usually only bite after significant provocation. Even then, the bite usually produces pain but minimal tissue damage.
Tarantulas also can flick hairs toward an agressor that cause a pruritic dermatitis.
It is common and its bite produces an urticarial reaction. It has venom similar to the brown recluse but much smaller volume and therefore much less tissue necrosis. It is a pale brown unremarkable appearing spider. Copyright 1996, Edward A. Gross. All rights reserved.