The deadly things that could harm your kids on a summer walk, from caterpillars to hogweed -

SUMMER is the perfect time to venture out and explore your local surrounds. But exploring in nature can leave you, or your kids, at risk of coming in contact with some pretty harmful things.

There is an array of deadly species that are commonly found, yet mostly unknown, throughout the UK that could pose extreme risk to children.

With that in mind, it's important to be able to recognise the dangers you and your family could potentially be faced with.

Here is what you should look out for...

Horseflies

These little critters are known to cause problems throughout the summer - particularly in the countryside.

Horseflies are large, dark-coloured flies which are around 1cm to 2.5cm in size and generally found near to cattle, horse stables, ponds, pools, woodlands and grassy areas.

They have razor sharp jaws that cut the skin rather than piercing it so can be extremely painful if bitten by one.

The area that was bitten will end up extremely red and swollen in minutes, and, according the the NHS, can cause dizziness, weakness and even wheezing with infections commonly occurring.

Toxic Caterpillars

While these little guys might seem cute and tempting to touch, many species of caterpillar can prove extremely dangerous - particularly for kids.

But unlike other insects whose bites cause issues, the caterpillar hairs is what causes the damage.

In late spring and summer,caterpillars of the oak processionary moth prove to be the most troublesome as they have thousands of tiny hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye problems and sore throats – and occasionally breathing difficulties and extreme swelling.

The brown-tail moth caterpillars can also be harmful and can often trigger severe rashes, headaches and breathing problems on top of potential blindness as well as the yellow-tail moth.

What is an oak moth caterpillar - and what to do if you see one

The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are a real pest. They were first found in the UK in 2006 and are now in London and parts of southeast England.

In late spring and summer, the caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye problems and sore throats – and very occasionally breathing difficulties. The caterpillars walk up and down trees in nose-to-tail processions.

If you find them, or spot one of their white silken nests, report it to the Forestry Commission or to your local council.

Source: NHS

Hemlock

Hemlock isn’t native to the UK but can be found in most areas as it grows in ditches, riverbanks and in disturbed areas such as waste ground and rubbish tips.

It is a tall green plant with purple spots on its stem and has leaves similar to the carrot plant, with small white flowers.

According to Heathline, the roots of poison hemlock can easily be mistaken for wild parsnips, while the leaves can be mistaken for parsley, therefore it's important to be able to recognise the key differences.

Hemlock poisoning affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as a burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, confusion, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and paralysis.

If it's consumed, only the smallest amount causes severe sickness and can be fatal, potentially paralysing the lungs, the Conversation reports.

Hogweed

Often dubbed the UK's "most dangerous plant," the Hegwood can cause agonising burns and blisters if handled - and are known to flower throughout the summer.

Much like Hemlock, Hogweed looks like the innocuous cow parsley and has clusters of white flowers on top of a thick green stem.

The toxins which are found in its leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds affect everyone but children are known to be particularly sensitive to the poison.

According the the NHS, the highly toxic plant has been known to cause several children to be hospitalised with third-degree burns after their skin was exposed to the stem

Why does giant hogweed cause rashes, burns and blisters?

The sap giant hogweed contains is toxic and contains chemicals known as furanocoumarins.

When these come into contact with the skin, and the flesh then comes into contact with UV light, these chemicals lead to a condition called phyto-photodermatitis - a red rash, often followed by severe blistering within 24 hours.

The resulting burns can last for several months and, even once they’ve gone, skin can remain sensitive to sunlight for years to come.

Children are believed to be particularly vulnerable to the impacts from the plants - with several being hospitalised with injuries.

What do I do if I touch hogweed?

If you come into contact with giant hogweed, the NHS advises covering the affected area and washing it with soap and water.

If you begin to feel unwell after contact with giant hogweed, you should speak to your doctor.

The sap reacts with the melanin in your skin and removes any protection that patch has from UV light.

If the hairs of the giant hogweed plant or its sap come into contact with your eyes they can even cause blindness.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a rash caused by a fungal infection and is usually a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle.While it's not deadly or particularly harmful, it is contagious and can be difficult to get rid of.

According to the Mayo Clinic, ringworm can be spread a number of ways including through animals such as cows, dog and cats and it particluarly common in warmer climates.

It can also be spread via objects such as towels, blankets or anything else that might have come in contact with someone or something that has been infected.

It's been known to spread to humans by contact with infected soil, although not as common. And while it can be difficult to avoid, it's important to be aware of of the risk and know what to look for.

For a full list of of potentially harmful plants, check the RHS website.

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