Spider bites
Spiders are an important part of the ecosystem and of the approximately 2 500 species of spiders in South Africa, only 20 species are potentially harmful to humans, if a person is bitten. Almost all our homes and gardens are shared by spiders which provide an excellent service by eating mosquitoes, flies and other insect pests.
Avoid spider bites in your home
The best way to avoid bites is to leave spiders alone, as even a non-toxic bite can be painful. For more dangerous spiders, seek professional help immediately.
Fast fact
Spider venom can be neurotoxic (acts on the nervous system and the brain) or cytotoxic (acts on living cells).
Here are some other tips for avoiding spider bites in your home:
- Shake out your shoes before putting them on.
- Clear away old furniture and junk that is being stored or not in use.
- Wear a long sleeve shirt, gloves and boots when handling storage.
- Remove piles of rocks from the area around your house.
- Avoid storing firewood against the house.
Treating spider bites
Bear in mind that spider bites are extremely rare in Cape Town. Many strange marks or ailments are often incorrectly diagnosed as spider bites.
What to do if you are bitten:
- Remain calm.
- Try to identify the spider by taking a picture or making a mental note of its appearance. This will help the medical professional in identifying how to treat the bite.
- Call for help (ambulance) or get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
Please note
Tygerberg Poison Information Centre’s main function is to advise health care professionals and the general public on how to deal with acute poisonings, including snake bites. In an extreme emergency, please call the 24-hour poison number on 0861 555 777.
Get help
For assistance with spider bites, contact the Poison Information Helpline on
0861 555 777. In an emergency, anyone living or visiting Cape Town can dial 107 from a landline or
021 480 7700 from a mobile phone to report the situation and request urgent assistance.
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