BABOON

Baboon spiders are generally not venemous, even though they can inflict a very painful bite. However, there are one species of baboon spider found in the Western Cape, Harpactira lightfooti, which has neurotoxic venom (similar to the black widow), causing severe symptoms such as pain, shock, vomiting, paleness and difficulty walking. They are frequently found in houses, but bites are fortunately very rare.

• Keep calm. A spider bite does not mean instant death – in most cases you only need a painkiller, antihistamine and wound management. For button spiders, however, the patient should be taken to hospital immediately. Also, children should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after a bite.
• Try to catch the spider – this makes identification and treatment much easier.
•  Wash the bite site with soap and water. Apply an ice pack.
•  Wounds should be kept clean, and antiseptic cream applied regularly.
• All spider bite victims must go for a booster tetanus injection.
•  If more severe symptoms appear, see a doctor immediately.