- 74. Do you ship invertebrates like tarantulas?
- 75. Do you offer insurance on invertebrate shipments?
- 76. What constitutes a “pet quality” invertebrate?
- 77. Do inverts have to be shipped with Priority Overnight?
- 78. Are there special packaging requirements for shipping invertebrates?
- 79. What’s the best way to pack a delicate creature like a tarantula?
- 80. Should you use a Heat Pack when shipping invertebrates?
74. Do you ship invertebrates like tarantulas?
Yes. We are certified by FedEx to ship feeder inverts like crickets, roaches, and worms, as well as pet-quality invertebrates like tarantulas.
75. Do you offer insurance on invertebrate shipments?
Yes, for pet-quality inverts shipped Priority Overnight. Feeder insects are NOT covered by Live Arrival insurance. Click here for more information on insurance options.
76. What constitutes a “pet quality” invertebrate?
These would include, but are not limited to tarantulas, centipedes, millipedes, praying mantises, stick bugs, and some large beetle species.
77. Do inverts have to be shipped with Priority Overnight?
No. You can use slower services to ship invertebrates if you choose. However, we strongly recommend Priority Overnight for any live shipment to give you the best possible chance for success. Also, our insurance programs only apply to Priority Overnight shipments.
78. Are there special packaging requirements for shipping invertebrates?
Yes. Invertebrate species require four levels of containment. Reptiles only require three levels of containment. Those three levels include the shipping box, the layers of insulation, and the bag or deli-cup the reptile is held in.
For invertebrates, the critter must first be put in a suitable container such as a deli-cup, portion cup, or vial. Then that container can be placed inside a secured reptile bag or larger cup, making sure ALL containers are properly ventilated. The other two layers of containment are the insulation and shipping box.
All other details on packaging requirements for live shipments can be found here.
79. What’s the best way to pack a delicate creature like a tarantula?
Paper towels make the best substrate for keeping delicate invertebrates safe during shipping. No matter how prominent the word “fragile” might appear on a box, any shipping box is going to be tossed, turned, spun, and bumped along a rugged journey. It’s up to the person doing the packaging to make sure the creatures are able to survive that kind of trip.
Get a deli-cup or container that is 1-3 inches bigger than the invert you are packing. Place some loosely wadded, slightly dampened paper towels in the bottom of the container and along the sides to make a nest in the middle just large enough for the critter. Place it into that nest and cover the top with more of the loosely wadded paper towels and secure the lid. This will provide cushioning in all directions to absorb the various shocks and bumps that will come.
When shipping in cold weather, use minimal moisture or completely dry paper towels.
80. Should you use a Heat Pack when shipping invertebrates?
Maybe.
These guidelines are according to the daytime HIGH temps.
If the ORIGIN and DESTINATION temperature is 66F or higher, do NOT use a heat pack. Shipping outside of these temperature guidelines nullifies any SYR Live Arrival Insurance. If your daytime high temps straddle two categories, please contact us directly for heat pack instructions that remain within insurance parameters, qualifications and guidelines. Heat pack use in temps above 65F can kill invertebrates!
Below 38°F: Don’t ship. Wait for warmer weather.
38-65°F: Use a heat pack per our directions.
66-91°F: DO NOT use heat pack.
92-100°F: Ship to a "FedEx Ship Center" facility (NOT a FedEx Office, Pak Mail, Mail Boxes Etc. or other satellite/retail location). Your shipment will arrive early in the morning and be kept inside until the recipient picks it up. Search for a Fedex staffed facility near you.
Over 100°F: Don’t ship. Wait for cooler weather.
Click here for critical HEAT PACK WARNINGS and INSTRUCTIONS
