These five creatures can harm humans and they all live here

It’s easy to assume that we’re safe from dangerous creatures in the UK. But some species can cause harm, as Lizzie Fletcher reports

By Lizzie Fletcher

Think of poisonous creatures like spiders or snakes and you’ll probably assume most of them live in countries like Australia or Malaysia, both of which are renowned for the ferocity of their wildlife.

    ...there are plenty of animals that can nip, sting or trample you if you’re not careful.  

But as it happens, there are plenty of harmful creatures living right under our noses in sleepy old Britain.

One person who knows that all too well is 26-year-old Lewis Pearce. The Southampton man was barely able to walk after an infestation of venomous false widow spiders in his flat.

Thankfully, Mr Pearce looks set to make a full recovery from his bites. But his story reminds us that we’re by no means protected from harmful creatures in the UK.

As the list below shows, there are plenty of animals that can nip, sting or trample you if you’re not careful. Here’s how to spot them and keep out of harm’s way.

1) Ticks

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures, and many different varieties live in the UK. The tick most likely to bite you is the sheep tick, which enjoys feeding on the blood of humans and other mammals.

While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Left untreated, this can lead to health complications including fever and paralysis.

There’s no need to fret, however. You can find loads of advice online to avoid tick bites. The most important thing is to keep skin covered when walking in long grass and invest in good-quality tick repellent.

    ...most bites occurring when people accidentally step on or disturb an adder.  

2) Adders

The only venomous snake in the UK, the adder is likely to be found in wooded areas or basking in hot sun.

Fatalities from adder bites are extremely rare, but being bitten is by no means pleasant. Victims feel dizzy and nauseous, with most bites occurring when people accidentally step on or disturb an adder.

Patrick Campbell, senior curator of reptiles at the Natural History Museum, gives the following advice about staying safe around adders: “Don’t aggravate them. It's safe to observe respectfully from a distance. Don't go picking them up and they will leave you alone.”

3) Bees, wasps and hornets

Frequently found buzzing around beer gardens in the summer, the humble bee doesn’t seem like too much of a threat. So you may be surprised that between five and 12 people in the UK die each year from bee, wasp and hornet stings.

For most people, a sting isn’t dangerous. But those with an allergy can suffer an anaphylactic shock. This can prove fatal.

Bees and wasps are hard to avoid (especially when the sun comes out), but experts recommend staying indoors when eating and drinking. They also suggest not wearing heavily scented sprays, which the little blighters may mistake for the smell of pollen.

4) Spiders

While it may be a nuisance, the spider crawling round your bathtub is unlikely to cause you immediate harm.

But some common spiders in the UK bite. These include the cellar spider, the woodlouse spider and the false widow spider, the like of which nibbled Mr Pearce. While these bites are painful, and can cause swelling and irritation, they are unlikely to finish you off.

A variety of old wives’ tales suggest ways of repelling spiders, including strewing conkers and walnuts around your house. There’s no harm in adopting this approach, though guests may think you’re just a teeny bit odd.

5) Deer and Cows

Okay, so they’re not what first springs to mind when you think of “dangerous” creatures living in the UK. But hear me out: deer are responsible for up to 70,000 motor vehicle accidents each year, resulting in around 20 deaths. That’s more fatalities than any of the other species referenced in this article.

And cows? Well cows have been known to attack people, and there are several instances where people have been trampled to death. In most cases, cows seem to have attacked dog walkers, so the general consensus is to keep your dog on a lead when walking through a field inhabited by bovines.

So there you have it – maybe the UK isn’t so safe from wildlife-related threats, after all. In most cases, there’s nothing to worry about. But it pays to be aware of the danger, and prepare accordingly.

If in doubt, remain calm, and remember that most of these creatures are more scared of you than you are of them. Treat them with respect and you should be fine.

Published: 30 September 2019

© Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: My identity was stolen. Now I can’t remortgage

You may also enjoy: The climate it’s a changin’

Jobs currently available

New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more
New job
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913713
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Manager to join their growing team.

About the role:

  • The primary purpose of this role is to lead the procurement function in delivering greater strategic and operational value, supporting the achievement of key business objectives.
  • This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
  • You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
  • This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
  • Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm — although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Hadleigh
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is excited to be supporting a fantastic company based in Hadleigh, assisting with the search for dedicated Production Operatives to join their friendly and fast-paced team.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

You will be working in a clean, well-organised working environment, and full training will be provided — no previous experience required.

This role involves:

  • Manual production work
  • Standing on your feet and using your hands for the majority of the shift
  • Supporting day-to-day operations on the production line
  • Following health & safety procedures at all times

What we’re looking for:

  • A strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Reliability and punctuality are essential
  • Own transport – the site is not accessible by public transport
  • Safety shoes and long workwear are required

If you're ready to start immediately and want to be part of a stable, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends
  • Overtime

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-BRA-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is working with a respected manufacturing business based near Braintree to help them look for a reliable and motivated Production Operative to join their specialist production team.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours: Day shift, Monday to Friday, 38 hours per week.

Why this role?

This is a hands-on role and a great opportunity to be part of a highly skilled and collaborative team that works in a modern, clean, and controlled environment. You’ll be working with precision-manufactured products, contributing to a business that’s been going strong for decades, and if all goes well, this could become a long-term position.

What’s in it for you?

  • Eligible for a generous annual bonus (typically around 10%). Discretionary and not guaranteed
  • Full training provided
  • Clean and safe working conditions
  • Daytime working hours – keep your evenings free

What will you be doing?

You’ll be based in a specialised area. Typical tasks will include:

  • Polishing and finishing high-quality components
  • Preparing moulds and applying coatings
  • Carefully mixing and pouring resins using vacuum systems
  • Assembling parts and preparing them for final inspection
  • Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace, wearing full PPE

Who we’re looking for:
We need someone who is:

  • Practical, hands-on, and detail-oriented
  • Comfortable working with materials like resins and glues
  • Flexible and willing to learn new tasks within the department
  • Committed to health & safety and quality standards
  • Own transport is essential due to the location

Previous manufacturing or cleanroom experience is a bonus, but not essential – just bring a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more