Warning after stowaway snakes and tree-frogs hide in common potted plants

Frogs and snakes are entering the UK hidden inside potted plants and flowers (Picture: University of Cambridge/Getty)

Snakes, lizards and geckos – these are just some of the creatures sneaking into the country hidden in potted plants and cut flowers.

Researchers from the journal Bioscience have warned this is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’.

This is because insects, fungi, spiders and agricultural pests are also being imported into the UK through the same means.

Fast-moving plant shipments into northern Europe make it difficult to detect species as the global market continues to grow.

It means these critters could end up in your garden hidden among the potted plants and cut flowers.

Disease-carrying insects like mosquitos are also more likely to survive in Europe due to warmer temperatures from climate change.

Rising temperatures also mean some ornamental plants being imported from warmer climates flourishing in the wild as invasive species in countries like the UK.

Plant shipments could also cause environment-harming microplastics and agrochemicals to enter the soil and cause a wider carbon footprint from transporting cut flowers between continents.

There is a warning that this is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ (Picture: University of Cambridge)

Professor William Sutherland, from the University of Cambridge, is involved in the study.

He said: ‘Ornamental olive trees for sale in the UK can be over 100 years old, with many hiding places amongst their gnarly bark and the soil they’re transported in.

‘This is incredibly risky in terms of importing pests.

‘Adult snakes and lizards are just the tip of the iceberg. If they’re getting through, what’s the chance of us spotting small insects and fungi – the things that really cause the problems?’

Dr Silviu Petrovan, who is also involved in the study, added: ‘Even with the best of intentions, unwanted hitchhikers are getting through customs import checks all the time.’

Insects, fungi and spiders could also be moving in hidden (Picture: Mihai Leu)

He said suppliers often do not operate within the law, citing high-value plants such as orchids and cacti being illegally stripped from tropical habitats and included in shipments.

Dr Petrovan added: ‘Regulations to prevent the trade in protected wild plants are challenging to enforce on a large scale.

‘We need to push to make the industry more sustainable through things like certifications and better regulation, and to work with those involved in the trade to better understand the risks and how to mitigate them.’

An Environment Department spokesperson said: ‘This Government will never waver in its duty to support the UK’s biosecurity, protect our farmers and food supply.

‘The Border Target Operating Model continues to protect our crops, livestock, and food supply chain from pests and disease, while minimising any disruption to trade.’

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