Bloodsucking leeches: How to get rid of them

What are leeches?

They are a type of segmented worm, with many similarities to the common earthworm in your back garden. They are hermaphrodites – meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.

Leeches are mostly aquatic – and the majority of those are freshwater based – although some are of a land variety. In the Middle Ages, leeches were thought to have medicinal qualities – a perception that is now making something of a comeback.

It's tales like these that frighten travellers perhaps more than they should. With the right precautions, the chances of being similarly affected are very slim, even if you visit a particularly leech-friendly region.

Where do they live?

They are widely spread around the world, occurring mostly in damp areas – such as streams, and rainforests – but are largely absent from arid areas.

How do I avoid them?

In some parts of the world, your chances of encountering leeches are much higher. In south-east Asia, for example, they are a particular menace in rainforest areas, where large numbers of land leeches can wait near paths and trails, and are attracted to warm-blooded passers-by.

However, you can mitigate against the risk of a painful encounter.

They are skilled at insinuating their mouth parts through the weave of socks, and wriggling into trainers or even tough hiking boots.

They have a particular propensity for buttocks and private parts – so caution is needed when answering the call of nature.

Leech bites are almost painless, and accompanied by secretion of an anticoagulant, so the first clue to their presence may be an expanding red stain in your socks or clothing, or the squelch of blood in your boots.

Purchasing leech socks, which are made from tightly woven fabric prevent the leech from attaching itself. Otherwise, you can make your own by spraying plenty of OFF! (insect repellent) on to ordinary hiking socks.

It is harder to mitigate against aquatic leeches, apart from avoiding walking in areas where they occur. Aquatic leeches can potentially attack walkers by crawling into the pants, shirt, backpack, nostrils, eyes and genitals. 😁

How do I get rid of them if am bitten?

Trying to pull a leech off is not a good idea. If you do find a leech attached to you, don't pull it off, as the mouth parts can remain under your skin and leave a slowly healing granuloma, or lump. You can encourage the leech to detach on its own by heating it with a lighted cigarette; just as effectively, you can apply some OFF!, alcohol or table salt. Then apply antiseptic to the skin until it has healed.