Rain has seen us into a New Year!

Welcome to 2011 members, customers and fellow blog writers.  We up here in Far North Queensland, Australia have been swimming our way into this new year.  Although we encourage the rain, it's hard to watch our Southern Queensland friends and family deal with the flooding.  We are thinking of you, and hope our thoughts & prayers reach you and help you re-build.

Summer creatures are out and about, last month we gave some tips on how to keep mozzies at bay, so now lets look at another indoor/outdoor creature - The White Tailed Spider.  Their favorite time of year is now, Summer, and they lurk around bedding, clothes/towels left lying of the floor, underneath tree bark, lying under mulch and in any nooks & crannies.  

What do White Tailed Spiders look like? Cylindrical body line, 1 - 2cm in length, have glossy legs, are dirty grey to brown in colour and have a white or light grey spot on their 'tail'.  They may also have two white/grey spots at the front of the body too (but not all of them).

How do we know when we have been bitten by a White Tailed Spider? You will know if you have been bitten when you notice one or more of the following symptoms;

• Localised irritation, such as stinging or burning sensations
• A small lump
• Localised itchiness and swelling
• Discolouration of the skin
• Ulceration of the bite (in some cases)
• Nausea and/or vomiting (in some cases)

How can we administer First Aid? First aid suggestions are to place an ice-pack on the bite to reduce any swelling, and see a doctor if the bite becomes blistered or ulcerated, and if you can try to keep the spider (in a plastic or glass jar) for identification (not always possible).  White Tailed Spider bites mostly occur on arms and legs, however bites can occur on any part of the body.

Be sure to check out this months top shelf products at: www.calannapharmacy.com.au