09 April 2006
Dubai: A Springs resident who found a redback spider around his home has called upon Emaar properties to carry out free pest control for residents.The spiders put Dubai residents into a spin last year as reports of sightings of the Australian species, considered deadly at the time, came from all over the city whilst rumours of there being no anti-venom mounted.
Officials from Rashid Hospital yesterday said there was no anti-venom at the hospital and that the spider was not dangerous as a bite would only cause mild irritation. "We have had no cases of people being bitten by redbacks. Last year there was some concern about this but the redback spider is not dangerous at all," said a doctor on duty at the emergency department.
An insect specialist at Rashid Hospital said not all redback spiders are dangerous.
"Some are dangerous but not all of them are dangerous. There is no anti-venom but we can get it from Australia as and when it is needed, if necessary," he said. He added that no cases had been reported.
Javed Nazim, 33, from India, said he frequently finds house spiders in his Springs 11 villa but this is the first time he has seen a redback spider.
"We have been in the villa for a year and called the pest control people twice already. For normal pest control it is free but for redback pest control it is Dh360. I called Dubai Municipality but they said we are out of their range," said Nazim.
"We have a 15 month old baby and my wife is always very scared when we see spiders. I found it near the main door near the garage space," said Nazim.
Shadi Al Rifai, 23, from Canada, lives in Springs 9 and said he had seen some spiders but was not sure if they were redbacks.
Emaar officials were unavailable for comment yesterday, but previously a spokesperson said pest control and monitoring of pests in all areas were arranged on a regular basis.
By Emmanuelle Landais
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
