3 spiders in the tank when there should be only 1

[Andrew Ferguson]

Just took a look at my young smithi to find a very small, slender black spider in the cage too. It's body length must have only been about 5mm or 6mm but it moved like greased lightening. So whilst trying to remove it (without killing or injuring it) from Gloria's cage (she was getting a bit flustered), I noticed another spider in there! This one looks like an orb weaver. But take a look at the full stop on your keyboard. Well it was about that big, but with legs!
The black one quickly ran up the side of the tank, over the edge and was away (like a mini pokie!). But the little tiny one is still there. I cannot see how to get it out without killing or injuring it.
Any comments or tips, or should I let it stay there?

[Nicola Dolby]

I have a similar problem with house spiders moving in with my pokies. the tarantulas don't mind but if its stressing your tarantula out move her, clean out the tank and put her back. If she's not an adult I'd do it anyway for her safety.

[James Box]

i found a tiny one like you described in the cricket tub with my minax when i got it home, promptly forgot about it til now! it was odd

good you got the other out, no telling how venomous it might've been to the T

[Peter Lacey]

Almost a year ago I foolishly put a spider from the house in with my G. rosea. It was a Stone Spider and it jumped onto my little rosea (despite being considerably smaller) and I had to pull them apart.
Since then I've stayed clear of a similar situation, tarantula may have a bad reputation but what we consider to be house spiders after often quite aggressive hunters.

[Nicola Dolby]

Talking of which I've found a little web in my rufilata tank. Still, the visitor is about 1cm and my largest pokie 17.5cm. And I've got to put my hand in that bark tube to sort it out!!!!! Blooming house spiders!