##### Updated: 1/23/2026 # Cold Weather Protocols ## Important Notes - The cold period that a spider can withstand typically can get cooler than we typically expect BUT there must be a _relief period_ where the spider can warm up again. - Check [Spider Archive](https://spiders.invert.info/) to see what sort of temperatures your spider experiences in their natural habitat to get a better idea on a per species basis. - Dangerously cold depends on the species & the change in temps _compared to their norm with their keeper_. - Arid species may be able to take much cooler temperatures. Many arid species may be able to take a singular cold night as long as there is warming during the day, but this is variable. - Moisture dependent species in wet substrate can be at a much higher risk. - Focus on heating the **smallest space possible** (preferably a room with no outside facing walls, or even a closet)This means: _moving animals to the smallest room in your house immediately_ makes it much **easier** to work with. Far away from **windows** is also generally best if you live in an old house with older windows. - When raising temperatures (from cold temperatures) - do so slowly rather than all at once to avoid *temperature shock*. - If you are concerned about feeding your animals (due to finances or other unforeseen issues) - Tarantula Addicts has a feeder program. Between our team and a number of incredible volunteers, we have a number of folks in a lot of different places that are able to help ship feeders to someone in a time of need. Here's a link to the [sign up sheet](https://forms.gle/7eNcp6pMpNCb5KjE9). You can also reach out to <font color="#ffffff">@anabelle</font> on discord directly with any questions. (*Thank you to everyone who makes this possible with us, we appreciate you so much*.) ## Potential Solutions - **Pot/Candle heaters** make nice heating elements but should be done so carefully - Light a candle and place a metal pot over top. - Make sure the pot is lifted *off the ground* so there is an air exchange - this generates serious heat. Be aware of where this is placed to avoid burning anything at home. > [!WARNING] Metal pots get VERY hot. Best to set this on a cinder block or something that cannot burn. Terra Cotta pots can also be used but do have a risk of potentially shattering. - **For small collections**: One option is to use an ice chest! they will help insulate things. Alternatively, any insulated space in the house with towels (think inside appliances, old shipping boxes, anything you can put together with blankets/sleeping bags/etc). Unlike other animals, spiders have a much lower respiration need, so covering with blankets has much less risk than for our vertebrate pets. - **Insulation**: Wrap enclosures in towels, place enclosures inside insulated things. This won't help as much without a heat source but anything helps. - [Reptile or invertebrate uni-heat shipping packs](https://shipping.morphmarket.com/products/dry-gel-ice-pack-8-oz?variant=41756571598932) are easy to find online and are generally the best option, but hand warmers can work in a pinch and are sold at most stores. - **Hot Hands** can also work if temps start to fall to a concerning point in your home but it’s super important to **constantly** be checking them if the only ones you have access to are ones meant for humans. They can become extremely hot. Use them with a barrier like towels as they can heat up to over 150°F. - Keep enclosures **off the floor** (wrapped in towels instead of allowing heat to leech out the bottom). - **REGULATED** heat sources are best if they will be near your animal (ex: UniHeat shipping packs). > [!WARNING] Use indoor heaters safely (There ARE indoor rated propane heaters like some of the Mr. Buddy branded ones) - For *larger inverts*: It may make sense to temporarily rehouse the animal to a smaller and secure container (It is easier to heat a container vs an entire enclosure) - Don’t use *scented candles* for heat as they release fumes that can be unsafe to animals ### Products we like - [Mr. Buddy Indoor heaters](https://amzn.to/3LHHrlb) - Unscented [tea lights](https://amzn.to/4bcv9eU) or [household candles](https://amzn.to/4qBPqiG) - [Uni-heat packs](https://shipping.morphmarket.com/products/dry-gel-ice-pack-8-oz?variant=41756571598932) (we keep these for shipping but having extras for folks is good practice) - Extra towels/blankets ### PDF version of this article: [[cold-weather-protocols.pdf]]