Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 6 January 1951, page 3


DON'T PANIC, BUT TREAT RED-BACK SPIDER

WITH CAUTION, SAY VENOM EXPERTS

If you are bitten by a red-back spider, don't panic!

Apply a ligature and cleanse the wound with an alkaline solution such as ammonia or

carbonate of potash.

Then, as an added pre-caution, see a doctor.

This advice to holiday-makers was given yesterday by a Melbourne venom expert.

He was commenting on

Thursday's spider attack on a New Australian gardener at Lower Plenty.

The "red-back," he said, was often "satiny black," with a red stripe.

Mr. C. Oke, Notional Museum spider expert, said that, although a bite by a "red-back" was no cause for alarm, these spiders could be dangerous.

"People can feel very sick and uncomfortable after a bite," he said.

"The condition of the per-son bitten is often aggravated by fear. Babies can become very ill if bitten.

"Gardeners should always be on their guard. Wearing gloves is a logical protec-

tion."

Here is a red-back spider.

Treat it with caution.

_