Move over Fido! Arachnophobias brace yourselves. There's a new pet trend that is creeping the nation. Tarantulas!

Pet stores across the United States report more sales of tarantulas than ever before and arachnid breeders can't keep up with demand for these eight-legged hairy pets. So what is all the hype over owning a tarantula?

Tarantulas don't need to be walked at 6 in the morning or 10 at night, they do not need to be groomed, taken to the vet, or bathed. They do not bark, whine, or whimper. Tarantulas can be left alone for days, even weeks and do not need a great deal of attention, time, or money. Tarantulas come in many colors, take up little space, and feeding one can cost less than .60 a month. So do tarantulas make good pets? That depends. If you are looking for something to cuddle up to then no, arachnids will not make good pets. But if you are content with owning an interesting animal and enjoying it with your eyes rather than your hands, a tarantula might be the right pet for you. Here are some common questions people ask me about owning a tarantula and some basic answers.

Are tarantulas dangerous?
There are 35,000 known species of spiders in the world. There are some spiders whose bite can result in death, like the black widow or brown recluse. However, no known deaths have been reported from the bite of any tarantula. All tarantulas have fangs but their venom is mild and can be compared to that of a bee sting. Speaking of bees, bees and wasps kill more people a year in the US than spiders and snakes combined kill in ten years! And consider this, dogs and cats are responsible for even more deaths and serious injuries than bees and wasps. Soon the danger scale I'd be more worried about Spot than spider.

Can you hold a tarantula?
Yes, but I strongly advise against it. While many species of tarantula are known to be docile, they are nonetheless wild and unpredictable. A nervous tarantula can easily mistake your finger for prey or a predator and bite. Some tarantulas will even "kick" their hairs when frightened. The hairs have tiny barbed tips that can be irritating if they make contact with skin or damaging if they get in an eye. A scared or frisky tarantula can even jump, and a fall to the ground can be fatal. My suggestion is not to hold or handle any tarantula. Like fish, they are to be enjoyed visually and not physically.

Can you train a tarantula?
Mine fetches the paper and…no, you cannot train a spider. However, they might learn that when you tap on the side of their enclosure it is feeding time. Remember, these are not higher intelligent animals but rather simple prehistoric creatures.

What kind of setup do I need?
Tarantulas do not take up a great amount of space and a simple 2.4 gallon (10"x8"x8") plastic or glass aquarium or "shoe-box" with a tight-fitting secure lid will do the trick. It is important to match your habitat with the closest natural habitat of the species you get. Some tarantulas are desert dwellers and need dry conditions, some are from the rain forest and require humid habitats, and others are arboreal, meaning they live in trees. Arboreal tarantulas need horizontal habitats with bark and branches to climb. Burrowing tarantulas will either need an artificial burrow such as a PVC pipe, or enough substrate to make their own burrow. Keep decorations to a minimum. The setup can be pleasing to the eye but it must be functional for your pet. Every tarantula will need a shallow water dish, a hiding area and breathing holes in the enclosure for fresh air. Some species require greater humidity than others and the temperature will vary as well. Please check with your breeder or pet store as to the proper care and environment for the particular tarantula you get.

Can you keep two or more together?
No way. Two tarantulas that meet will usually end with one meal. The only time tarantulas get together is to mate, and even that can be fatal to the male. Now that's tough love!

How long do they live for?
Believe it or not tarantulas can live up to 25 years. The average is 6-14 years. Taking on a pet tarantula is a long term commitment and it's not so easy to find someone to adopt your pet arachnid if you cannot care for it.

What do tarantulas eat?
Tarantulas eat live crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, beetles, earthworms and butterflies. The average pet tarantula owner usually sticks to store-bought crickets (.05 each) and feeds their pet three times a week. Some variety might be good and an occasional roach, worm, or beetle may be appreciated. If you can't stomach feeding live insects to your pet than owning a tarantula is not for you.

What can I expect from my tarantula?
Not much. Tarantulas are not particularly active, nor do they do tricks. They are simple creatures with basic needs. The joy of owning a pet tarantula comes from it being a unique, exotic, and beautiful creature. Some species even have pink feet and iridescent hairs. Many people own these pets to get over their fear of spiders and some just love having a fascinating part of nature right in their homes or classrooms. Others just love having a creepy crawly pet alternative.

What species is best for beginners?
I would stick to New World Tarantulas. These species have urticating hairs and are from North or South America. Species such as the Brachypelma or Grammestola tend to be better suited for novice keepers, while the Old World Tarantula species, ones from Africa, Asia, Europe, India, do not have the urticating hairs but tend to have a far more defensive and aggressive nature. Their venom is also thought to be more powerful than the New World Tarantulas. Some New World species names include Mexican Black Velvets, Costa Rican Red-legs, Honduran Curly Hairs, Chilean Rose-hairs, or Mexican Blondes. They are relatively non-aggressive, well tempered arachnids…well, as far are arachnids can be. But keep in mind they are still spiders with fangs and venom and even know you may love them, they have no feelings for you. Do your research prior to choosing a pet tarantula.

Okay, if you are ready for a truly creepy pet, and October is a great month to get one, here is where you begin. Purchase or go to the library and get some books on tarantulas. There are many titles including, "The Guide to Owning Tarantulas" and the "Tarantula Keeper's Guide." Search online and check out the many forums on tarantulas like www.tarantulaforums.com or www.arachnoboards.com. Some local pet stores carry a nice selection of arachnids but I cannot stress enough to do your research first. Taking care of any animal is a commitment and you owe it to your pet to give it the greatest care whether it has two, four or even eight legs. So while dogs may always be man's best friend, tarantulas are quickly becoming children's favorite pets.

Bio - Seth "Bugmaster" Prezant is the president of Wacky Wild Science. His education company provides in-school, in-camp, and after-care science presentations in addition to birthday parties for both boys and girls. The Bugmaster can be reached at 954-562-6803 or www.WackyWild.com.