SANParks.org Forums

Hi All
I read all sorts of advice from people regarding spider bites. Below are some facts that we should all keep in mind with talking about spider bites.

General: Many medical professionals diagnose just about any lesion as a spider bite. Do a Google search for MRSA. All the emails we get about spiders are hoaxes. The photo of the guys hand which features on so many websites is from a bacterial infection. Any lesion that takes more than 1 month to heal is not from a spider bite. Any "bite" that when treated with antibiotics does not heal for months and months (see most newspaper articles) is not due to a spider bite. Cytotoxic spider bites typically heal in under 1 month.

Violin Spider: Due to misguided media reports, hoax emails, ignorance and dodgy websites, there is mass and widespread hysteria about these spiders. They rarely bite, they do occur in houses but not in all parts of southern Africa. Bites are not as common as we have been led to believe. A spider bite like symptom does NOT mean it was a Violin Spider. Just because a spider is in your house does NOT mean it is a Violin Spider.

Sac Spider: Common in everyone's house. Two periods of of increased instances of bites throughout the year due to their lifestyles. The spider is rarely seen to bite the patient. Bite symptoms are different from the Violin Spider. Responsible for the majority of necrotic bites that require medical attention.

Button Spiders: Black button spiders do NOT have a red hourglass under the abdomen. Black button spiders are rare around houses. Brown buttons spiders are very common. Check under your garden furniture :-) but no need to get uptight. Neurotoxic venom with characteristic symptoms.

Six Eyed Sand Spider: No properly documented bites in southern Africa however research on rabbits indicates that they are highly venomous. Rare leave them alone. Please take photos every 15 minutes if you do get bitten.

Bite like symptoms: A lesion does not mean it's from a spider! There are many things that can cause lesions. Most diagnosed "Spider bites" are not spider bites. Bite symptoms are characteristic of the spider up to a certain time frame. Septicemia is often responsible for what people consider a spider bite. Most websites containing information consider bites contain nothing more than hearsay and old wives tales. Magazine articles are often written by people scratching information from these dodgy websites. A good example can be found in August edition of SA 4x4 (see http://sa4x4.co.za/component/k2/item/214-eina). I've yet to be involved with any spider bite newspaper article where they have not stretched the facts or even made up facts to substantiate their story.

Great topic ScorpionKing!

Many people have a total misplaced fear of spiders, I think they are the most awesome and beautiful creatures.

Looking forward to more info.

Im liking this topic I gril at the mere thought of a spider they give me the hibby gibbies but to learn such interesting facts about them is enlightening is it possible scorpion that you could post pics of these spiders youve mentioned above especially the sand spider you spoke of I can't think that ive even heard of such a spider before GREAT THREAD!