SIX EYED SAND

These spiders are rare – they are found in desert areas and basically looks like a crab with sand stuck to its body. No human bites have been documented, but studies on rabbits have proven that these spiders might be lethal to humans, their bites causing massive tissue destruction and internal haemorrhaging.

• 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.