ILOILO CITY (PNA) – The Animal Bite Center (ABC) here is urging the public, especially students to stop catching spiders.

Dr. Dwanie Conlu, ABC officer-in-charge, said that parents should remind their children that spiders should be left alone. He added that parents should stop their kids from playing with insects as they bite when provoked.

Although spiders have no rabies, most species, however, are venomous.

It may be in small fractions compared to snakes but it can cause adverse allergic reactions to some people, said Conlu.

In case of spider bites from venomous species, the center advises the victim to proceed to the nearest hospital or clinic, he added.

As this developed, the ABC is urging the City Council to consider passing a city ordinance which bans the catching of spiders in the city. The center hoped that the council would approve of such an ordinance since spiders can help reduce mosquitoes significantly.

The center has noted the growing number of students and people who engage in spider fights along the streets. It has also become a sort of gambling as spectators bet on the winning spiders. Some venomous species of spiders are sold to students near school premises.