How do you get rid of leeches?

Tropical area is where you usually encounter leeches when camping, hiking, or trekking. They come from different sizes, colours, but they all use a sense of movements and touches to get you. Though they are not dangerous but for some people it is scary enough to have them on their skin enjoying bloods. A bite from the tiger leech can be a little bit more painful too. They usually live and stay in a wet area, that is why they become weak and die so fast when attack by heat.

If you ever found leeches around your body it is usually not easy to pull them away. There are two things you can use to get them pull themselves and fall in a matter of a second. Salt and any kind of oil / balm that contains menthol. I honestly can't explain this scientifically but that has been my method all my life as I live in a tropical country and often encounter leeches of different species.It is probably because salt dries them and oil / balm are hot.

Hope this helps!

 

Sound advice...I use the salt method for our kind of leeches like you recommend.

 

Leeches are very sneaky. Sometimes you'll never know they're getting a free ride plus drink from your blood supply until you reach your destination from a hike. There you would see one or two attached to your leg. We used to sear the leach with a heated blade using a lighter and they would just fall off; but that is after they have already sucked enough blood for them to be visible.
One of our fellow trekkers suggested we rub powdered laundry soap on our feet and lower legs just before we start our hike. The leeches hated this and left us alone to enjoy the scenery.

 

The other issue is to be aware of high risk areas and take appropriate action. In some of the provincial/state parks they will post problems or concerns. I know that when I arrive at my destination the question is always the same. "Is there anything that I need to be aware of?" If they say no, then I ask about bear activity or insect conditions. Then...I'm on my own.

 

True, mosquitoes are just about everywhere and pose one of the greatest threats.

 

Once leach got a hold on you, pulling them off will hurt and quite possibly make you bleed even more. The best way to get them to let go is to burn them off with a cigarette or some kind of flame. Second would be salt.

 

Well I still use - watch where I am - especially water ways and use salt. Ugly things aren't they? Ugly enough not to post a picture of the same.

 

Well...I suppose it all goes back to my fishing attempt with my brother. I find handling worms and leeches and creepy things a bit much. I know I know...I'm a coward of sorts. And pictures - even they are a bit revolting. But if you insist.

Sort of reminds you of your experience?

 

Ouch!

 

I tried dancing to get rid of the mosquitoes and horses flies AND the deer flies - I learned that they know how to dance better than me.

 

I've found it interesting over the years to see some guys suffer something fierce when they get bit. I have been spared that circumstance - though I receive my fair share of bites I don't seem to have the same reaction as some. I do all the usual of course - soap, shampoo and deodorant without fragrance. I wash as often as I can when I get sweaty and use light colour clothing. And then again - sometimes I just tolerate it.

I do know, that if one scratches, it worsens the situation.

 

I've never tried these.