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.
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