Animal Crossing New Horizons offers a variety of activities, but one of the most lucrative is tarantula farming. This guide delves into the art of successfully farming tarantulas, providing all the necessary steps to maximize your Bell income. This method involves transforming your island into a tarantula spawning ground, allowing you to catch these valuable insects and sell them for a significant profit. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to master tarantula farming and amass a fortune in Animal Crossing.
Understanding Tarantula Island Farming
Tarantula farming in Animal Crossing revolves around creating an environment conducive to tarantula spawns. The key concept is to eliminate all other potential bug spawns, making tarantulas the only creatures that appear. This can be achieved by clearing your island of flowers, trees, and any other items that insects might use to spawn. The process requires meticulous preparation and strategic execution. By following these guidelines, players can turn their islands into efficient tarantula farms, generating a consistent source of Bells.
Preparing for Tarantula Farming
Before you begin, it’s essential to prepare your island. This involves removing anything that could potentially spawn other bugs. A fully prepared island ensures that tarantulas become the primary spawns, maximizing your chances of catching them. This preparation might seem tedious, but it’s a crucial step to increase the efficiency of your farming efforts. The clearer you make your island, the more successful your tarantula farming will be, ultimately leading to more Bells in your pocket.
Clearing Your Island

The first step is to clear your island of all flowers, trees, weeds, and rocks. Flowers attract various bugs, and trees allow for the spawning of tree-based insects. Weeds and rocks may also harbor bugs that will interrupt your farming. Chop down all trees and dig up the stumps, removing all flowers, and eliminating weeds. Remove all the rocks by eating fruit and breaking them with your shovel. These actions create an empty space, which will be the ideal environment for tarantulas to spawn. This ensures that the only bugs spawning are tarantulas. Your island should be primarily bare dirt or sand for the best results. (animal-crossing-tarantula-spawning.webp)
Gathering Necessary Tools
You’ll need a sturdy net and shovel for successful tarantula farming. A flimsy net may break easily, while a flimsy shovel can break too. Always carry a good fishing net and a shovel as these are your primary tools. (animal-crossing-fishing-net.webp) While you don’t need a specific shovel for tarantula farming, it’s useful for digging holes to help you control the tarantulas. Make sure you also have space in your inventory to store the caught tarantulas. Furthermore, the best nets are those made of gold, as they have the best durability.
The Optimal Time for Tarantula Farming
Tarantulas spawn at specific times and seasons. Generally, tarantulas appear from 7 PM to 4 AM in the Northern Hemisphere during the months of November to April. In the Southern Hemisphere, they appear from May to October during the same time frame. These are the prime months to farm tarantulas on your island. The in-game time must align with these hours for tarantulas to appear. Keep these time frames in mind as you plan your farming sessions, ensuring you maximize your time and profit potential.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tarantula Farming

Once you’ve prepared your island, it’s time to start farming. The process is straightforward but requires precision. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully catch tarantulas and fill your pockets with Bells. Remember that patience and timing are crucial for avoiding their attacks and maximizing your earnings. (animal-crossing-tarantula-catching.webp)
Luring Tarantulas
When you spot a tarantula, approach it slowly. Hold your net and walk towards it. If the tarantula raises its front legs, stop moving. Wait until it lowers its legs before taking another step. Repeat this process until you’re close enough to catch it. Alternatively, dig several holes in a row in front of you to serve as a barrier, preventing the tarantula from reaching you. Then, you can easily catch it once it falls into your trap.
Catching Tarantulas Efficiently
Timing is critical for catching tarantulas. Once you are close enough, quickly swing your net to catch the tarantula. If you miss, it will chase you, and you’ll need to repeat the process of approaching it slowly. Be prepared to repeat this process several times, as tarantulas can be tricky. Mastering this technique will significantly boost your farming efficiency and allow you to collect more tarantulas quickly.
Dealing with Other Bugs

Despite your best efforts, other bugs may spawn on your island. If you see any unwanted insects, quickly catch or scare them away to ensure tarantulas continue to spawn. This might involve catching bugs that spawn on the rare flowers that may have spawned. By keeping the island clean, you will improve the rate at which tarantulas appear, making your farming more efficient. Be vigilant and reactive, and you will increase your Bell earnings.
Maximizing Your Bell Income
The ultimate goal of tarantula farming is to earn Bells. Here’s how to ensure you get the most out of your efforts. By following these strategies, you can optimize your Bell earnings and quickly increase your wealth in Animal Crossing. Selling tarantulas strategically is key to maximizing your profits. This will keep you from running out of space and maximize your income.
Selling Your Catch
Tarantulas can be sold at Nook’s Cranny for 8,000 Bells each. Collect as many as possible and then sell them in bulk to maximize your profits. Alternatively, wait for Flick, the bug-loving visitor, to come to your island. He will buy tarantulas for 12,000 Bells each, providing an even greater return. Selling to Flick can significantly boost your income. (animal-crossing-tarantula-sell.webp)
Tips and Tricks for Success

Persistence is key. It may take a few attempts to master the art of tarantula farming. Practice your approach and net-swinging timing. Be patient and persistent. Utilize the holes to your advantage and use them as a barrier to catch tarantulas. If you have friends, consider visiting their islands to farm tarantulas together, sharing resources and experiences. Share this information with other players to improve your farming skills.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Avoid running or moving too fast when approaching tarantulas. This will scare them and cause them to attack. Always be mindful of the other bugs that might spawn on your island and eliminate them. Try not to get overwhelmed by the number of tarantulas. By paying attention to these details and correcting any missteps, you’ll improve your farming efficiency and maximize your Bell income. If you get bitten by a tarantula, run into a building to reset the bugs.
In conclusion, tarantula farming is one of the most effective methods for earning Bells in Animal Crossing. By following the steps in this guide, you can turn your island into a tarantula haven and amass a fortune. Remember to prepare your island, approach tarantulas cautiously, and sell your catches strategically. With patience and practice, you’ll become a tarantula farming expert, and your pockets will be overflowing with Bells in no time.