- Season
- June to Oct
- Harmful?
- No
- Prevent
- Leech socks
- Remove with
- Salt
If you visit during or just after the monsoon, you will meet a leech or two. They are small, harmless and part of the forest, but they can spoil a walk if you are not prepared.
When and where
Leeches are active from June to October, in wet grass, leaf litter and forest trails. You will rarely see them on paved roads or inside the villas.
How to avoid them
- Wear leech socks or long socks pulled over your trousers.
- Tuck in your trousers and wear closed shoes.
- Spray leech repellent or rub a little salt water on your socks and shoes.
- Keep moving on trails, stopping in wet grass gives them a chance to climb on.
- Check your feet and ankles after every walk.
If one bites
Do not pull it off. Sprinkle salt or apply a little sanitiser or lime. It will drop off on its own. The bite may bleed for a while because of the anticoagulant in its saliva. Clean the spot and put on a plaster. It heals quickly.
Questions travellers ask
Are leeches dangerous?
No. Leech bites are harmless for most people, though they bleed for a while and can itch.
