Leeches are invertebrates living in water that are still related to worms. Usually leeches feed by attaching themselves to the host and sucking its blood. Leeches attached to the body can be disgusting and make you feel uncomfortable. However, as long as you follow the proper steps to safely remove the leech, you don't have to worry too much about the greater danger. If the presence of leeches in your neighborhood is very annoying and difficult to get rid of, you can take steps to control the population.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing the Leech from the Body
Step 1. Try removing the suckers on the leech's body
Look for the suction mouth on the anterior or smaller end of the body. Place your finger or fingernail next to the leech sucker's mouth, then slide your finger or fingernail under it. Push your finger or fingernail out to the side to remove it from your skin. Repeat this step on the posterior sucker mouth, then flick the leech away from your body.
- Encourage the leech as you remove the sucker from the skin, as it will try to "attach" its body back to yours.
- Make sure you start the removal process from the small anterior end which is the "head" of the leech.
- Dispose of leeches in a place away from water sources after they are released. You can sprinkle salt over the body to make sure the leech can be killed, but only do this after you've removed it from your own body.
Step 2. Wait for the leech to fall
After the leech has sucked enough blood, it will usually detach itself (after about twenty minutes). If you can't get rid of the body safely, you will need to let it go and wait for the leech to finish eating. Although annoying, leeches will not cause pain or serious injury.
Discard the leech after it has fallen. Sprinkle salt on top to make sure the leeches are killed. However, make sure you only sprinkle salt after the leech has been removed from your body
Step 3. Stop the bleeding
Leeches have anticoagulant enzymes that keep blood flowing. If the bite area is still bleeding after you remove the leech (or after it has fallen), gently press the area with a clean cloth or gauze until the bleeding stops.
Step 4. Clean the wound to prevent infection
Leeches leave small wounds on the body parts that were previously attached. Clean this wound with warm water and mild soap. After that, apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream and cover it with a bandage. If the wound becomes infected, see a doctor.
Step 5. Don't try to pull the leech away from your body
Leeches have very flexible bodies and are difficult to hold, and although you can grab and pull them, this will only make the wound worse. When pulled, parts of the jaw are still attached to the body and can cause infection.
Step 6. Do not burn or poison the leech to release it
Some traditional remedies for removing leeches include lighting a match and directing the flame at the leech's body, or pouring salt, alcohol, vinegar, or other substances on the leech. While such steps can dislodge the leech from your body, it can expel its contents and the vomit can hit the bite wound. This of course can cause infection in the wound.
Step 7. Visit a doctor if necessary
If the leech attaches itself to a sensitive body part (eg eyes) or to an opening such as the nostril, vagina, or penis, see a doctor for professional help. Doctors are trained in using special techniques and equipment to remove leeches and can treat any infections or complications that arise.
- You also need to see a doctor if you notice any signs of infection, irritation, or other foreign symptoms after removing the leech yourself from the body.
- Signs of infection include skin redness, swelling, or pus at the bite area, as well as pain and fever.
Method 2 of 2: Getting Rid of Leeches from Water Sources
Step 1. Place the trap
Get a metal can with a removable lid (eg a coffee can) and make a small hole in the lid. Put the raw meat in the can, close the lid, and tie a string around the can. Place these cans in shallow water areas where leeches are suspected of being inhabited. After that, the swarm of leeches will be attracted and enter the can. You can lift the can from below the surface of the water and remove any trapped leeches.
- Leeches are most active in warm weather. Place traps, check daily during warm weather, and remove caught leeches. Repeat this step until no more leeches fall into the trap.
- The size of the hole that needs to be made in the lid of the can depends on the species of leech present. If there are no leeches in the trap, try making a bigger or smaller hole until the trap catches the leech.
Step 2. Keep or attract ducks to areas of water where leeches live
Ducks will eat leeches, helping to keep the population low. However, phosphorus levels in the water can increase and promote algae growth if you attract ducks with duck feed. Some of the duck species known to eat leeches include:
- Ring-necked duck (Aythya collars)
- Wood duck or wood duck (Aix spongea)
- Surati duck or duck (Cairina moschata)
Step 3. Maintain bluegill and largemouth bass populations
Both species of fish are predators of leeches and can help control their populations. However, this method can only be followed for privately owned closed water areas such as fish ponds at home.
Step 4. Control aquatic plants and organic debris
Excessive plant and organic debris in ponds and lakes is thought to encourage the development of leech populations. If possible, keep the aquatic plants only 10% of the pond surface. Exterminate or control overgrowth of plants to fight off leeches or nuisances. These control methods include:
- Reduce feeding for fish and ducks. Fish and duck droppings become nutrients that promote the development of aquatic plants.
- Manually remove or remove aquatic plants from the water. It's a good idea to remove the plant, roots, and other parts thoroughly. Make sure you remove them from the water so the organic residue doesn't encourage new plant growth.
- Dredge or deepen the water area. Deeper water areas will make it difficult for plants to take root.
- Lowering the water level. In winter (especially when temperatures are below freezing), shallow water makes it difficult for aquatic plants to live and thrive.
- Coating the bottom of the waters with a certain substance. Plastic sheets or mineral layers on the bottom of the water can make it difficult for aquatic plants to grow.
- Nurture or attract herbivores. There are a wide variety of ducks, geese, turtles, insects, snails, crayfish, and fish that eat aquatic plants which can help reduce their development. Chinese grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) can be a good choice for this method.
- Using aquatic herbicides. Some of the herbicides you can try include copper chelate, fluridone (Sonar), 2, 4-D, glyphosate (Rodeo, Pondmaster), potentiated, and endotal (Aquathol, Hydrothol) blends. These products may have some side effects, including killing fish. In addition, herbicides may need to be used repeatedly because the plants that are successfully eradicated will rot in the water and encourage the development of the next new plant.
- Follow all instructions for use included in the product purchase package carefully, and contact your local environmental protection authority or agency before keeping any species considered invasive.
Step 5. Use chemical control methods
Copper sulfate pentahydrate can be used to control leech populations. The recommended dose is 5 ppm (parts per million). However, this approach can kill any species living in the waters, including fish and other creatures. Therefore, this method can only be used in closed water areas that do not have fish populations.
Copper sulfate pentahydrate is toxic and should be used with caution. Follow all safety and usage instructions included in the product purchase package
Tips
- To prevent leeches from sticking to your body, protect and cover exposed skin areas when you are or are active in areas of water that are suspected to be infested with swarms of leeches.
- There are about 700-1,000 species of leeches worldwide. Most of these species live in water, while others live on land.
- Although they cause discomfort, leeches do not usually transmit disease to humans. In fact, leeches used to be used in traditional medicine. Sometimes, leeches and their derivatives are still used as medicine.
- Seek permission from the authorities before removing leeches from public or private areas that you do not own.
