How To Avoid Leeches
Avoiding leeches is important, especially if you’re hiking, swimming, or working in wet, marshy, or forested areas where leeches thrive. Here’s how to keep clear of them:
How to Avoid Leeches
1. Wear Protective Clothing
- Use long sleeves and pants tucked into socks or boots.
- Choose light-colored clothing to spot leeches easily.
- Wear leech socks or gaiters if available.
2. Avoid Leeches’ Preferred Habitats
- Stay away from stagnant or slow-moving freshwater, marshes, and damp forest floors.
- Avoid walking through thick underbrush, tall grass, or muddy areas.
3. Use Insect Repellent
- Apply repellents containing DEET, permethrin, or eucalyptus oil on your skin and clothes.
- Permethrin can be sprayed on clothing for longer protection.
4. Check Your Body Regularly
- Frequently inspect your skin and clothes when outdoors.
- Remove any leeches immediately with care.
5. Avoid Sitting or Lying on Wet Ground
- Use a mat or waterproof layer when resting outdoors.
6. Keep Moving
- Leeches often attach when you’re stationary, so keep moving through risky areas.
What to Do If You Get a Leech Bite
- Don’t pull it off forcefully (to avoid leaving mouthparts behind).
- Use salt, vinegar, or heat near the leech to encourage it to detach.
- Clean and disinfect the bite area afterward.