BLACK WIDOW / BUTTON

This is probably the most well-known South African spider, identified by the red hourglass on its round, black abdomen. Button spiders are found all over South Africa, and they usually reside in quiet, dark places. They rarely wander into houses, and most bites occur when the spider are disturbed in its hiding place. Button spiders have neurotoxic venom, which means that it attacks the central nervous system. Only female spiders have fangs large enough to pierce human skin. Bites are very painful and symptoms will appear shortly after the bite: Sweating, raised blood pressure, muscle pain and cramps, pain and weakness in the limbs, the face becomes contorted, flushed and sweaty with drooping eyelids and swollen lips. In severe cases the body will contort and shake uncontrollably. Button spider bites are usually treated in hospital with anti-venom and patients are usually well enough to go home after 24-48 hours. The good news is that no deaths from button spiders have been recorded in the last 50 years.

• 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.