Beware of adders in the hot weather

Hot weather from the south of France sending temperatures soaring across the UK could spark adder attacks and swarms of honey bees.

Dog owners and parents with curious children are being warned to take care after numerous sightings of Britain’s only venomous native snake.

Adders are basking in the sun after hibernation and are on the defensive as they search for food. This week’s heatwave will bring them out on grassy banks and sandy hillsides. Two dogs have reportedly been bitten.

Sue James, a Cornwall councillor, had her spaniel taken to the vet after it was bitten by an adder. She said the vet described the bite as the worst he had seen. The dog survived.

Meanwhile, the weather, combined with breeding season for newly hatched queen bees, led to a swarm of 20,000 bees descending on a Suffolk primary school last week, forcing children and teachers to take cover.