fleas and tarantulas

zero_point_one · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2002, 10:04 PM

Last night, we noticed that there was a flea on my tarantula, Mae. We didn't want to disturb her by getting the flea off because she was feasting (and she eats a lot). I've tried to do some research on this, but all I can find is information on how to get rid of the two and I don't want to kill my tarant.

We do have three cats who are not allowed near Mae or even in the same room and I generally see about 3-5 fleas a week, but usually on myself or one of the cats - never on Mae.

Has anyone ever heard of this before? I'm also wondering if it'll cause any damage to her? This is the first tarantula I've ever owned (a Brazilian Black and White) and she just went through a molt about three weeks ago after an injury to her knee. I'm planning to remove her from her aquarium and clean it and make certain there aren't any on her, but I want to make certain that no harm has been caused.

Thanks a lot.

0.1
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Ravnos · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2002, 06:01 PM

Fleas are mammal blood feeders, I can't fathom what one would be doing on a tarantula... other than being horribly lost. I assume you know better, but just in case - whatever you do, don't use any kind of insecticides or pest strips... fleas are tough little buggers and pretty much anything that is going to kill fleas is also going to kill your tarantula. The ideal would be to have all other animals in your house treated. They are the ones bringing them in. Advantage and various other flea treatments of the same nature do work quite well at keeping fleas off of dogs and cats. I haven't had a single flea or tick in my house in years.

The only thing I would be worried about is eggs being laid in your tarantula's cage, or on your tarantula itself. The little larvae of fleas will feed on most anything they can get ahold of... but again, I have no idea about tarantulas. I've never heard of one getting fleas before. Keep an eye on your tarantula, and get rid of the fleas from elsewhere. =)

Rav
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zero_point_one · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2002, 09:05 PM

Thank you. I couldn't figure out how to get rid of the flea without killing the tarantula and I didn't want to do that. I'm guessing that the flea was REALLY lost. It was probably thinking "Oh, something hairy, must be a mammal!!" I haven't seen one in a while and I'm hoping that the cage cleaning will help. I just hope that it didn't lay eggs on her.

I just picked up some Advantange for the cats, but am waiting until the little ones recover a little more from their surgery. It's tough getting rid of the fleas and we have them under control for the most part. I was just really surprised to see one in the tarantula cage sice she is isolated from the cats.

Thanks for your suggestions.
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