Leeches

alicat

What ways do you recommend for preventing and getting rid of leech attachment?

I've heard that it is important to prevent them getting under one's clothes, eg tuck trousers into socks. Can leeaches actually penetrate clothing fabric like cotton or thin socks? How long does it take for a leech to attach after making initial contact with the skin? And to which body parts should one pay particular attention with regard to prevention?

I've also heard of zinc (oxide?), eucalyptus oil, tiger balm etc. as repellants.

And to remove an already attached leech: do not pull off. Instead, burn with cigarette/lighter and wait for leech to fall off (less risk of infection). Is this correct?

indiamike

I did a search on Google and came up with this link about leeches which may help http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fac...eeches_20.html

It says the simplest way is with salt: a shake onto the body and most will quickly drop off. Tea tree oil or vinegar dabbed onto the body are also effective alternatives. Less queasy victims may prefer to scorch them with cigarettes or lighters. Otherwise, simply pull the little bloodsuckers off!

To avoid leeches try rubbing vulnerable areas with lotions such as tea tree oil-based creams as well as cream insect-repellants. Alternatively, try wearing garters or wear long pants tucked into your socks.

Mike

personally if I am in an area and it turn's into a scene from "The African Queen" I am hopping on the next bus outta there

Midnite Toker

It is reassuring to note from the site Mike gives that Australia's leeches have only two jaws instead of the usual three.
Most of my experiences with leeches have been in Australia, usually when camping or bushwalking. I had two in my socks at the end of a hike once, each the size of a Magic Marker. They had, I am sure, oozed through the weave of the socks.
They will attach themselves quite quickly after finding a secret place to snuggle, but you will be able to pull one off easily within a minute or two of its settling if you spot it.
In Papau New Guinea, the local people walk naked through the forests with tobacco leaves tied to their legs. Leeches hate something in the tobacco (probably nicotine, a potent insecticide), and going without clothes allows the walker to spot the animal as it loops around trying to find a cosy place. I tried an adaptation of this in Nepal: walking in shorts and t-shirt. The leeches are easier to spot than with trousers on. Women wearing shorts in India aren't thought of very highly, though.
I have never hiked in the monsoon season in India, but doing so in Nepal managed to get only a couple of leeches drawing blood over a two-week trek.

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Annie_T

I hate to tell you this but not only can leeches penetrate cotton, but I have seen them sneak thru the gortex on my boots - truly!When I was in Sikkim in September last year I was stopping about every 10 minutes to flick them off my feet and legs.

They don't seem to cause too many problems - I attacked them with cigarettes and occasions just ripped them off. The main problem with pulling them is the bleeding which follows - it can take ages to stop!

I experimented with insect repellant but it didn't really seem to do much. In the end you just get used to them!

latisharma

carry matches!!!

some varieties scamper when you put salt on them. carry a salt shaker , may also help add a little extra to you meal

lady2byrd

My husband told me that in Vythiri, North Kerala the locals either use salt or dettol.
Most rangers soak/spray their socks/trouser legs /clothes/boots in concentrated dettol before entering leech prone areas.
Don't really know the effectiveness but I suppose it could be the answer if you really don't mind reeking of dettol.........

Bibiana