![How To Remove A Leech Properly [Infographic]](https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/19/viw2tngonisuoeb6vuq2.jpg?quality=75&w=640&h=360&crop=1)
Spring is a great time to spend the day out on the lake. Leeches think so too. If you take a dip in your local lake and come out with a new gross friend, don’t panic. Just follow the steps in this graphic to get rid of it.
Leeches, like vampires, love the taste of blood. Unlike vampires, they’re relatively harmless. If you can handle the idea of sharing your precious bodily fluids, the least harmful solution is to let the leech have its meal, at which point it will detach willingly without harming you.
The alternative is to use a flat object like a credit card to press the leech’s head to the side to remove it. You’ll want to get rid of it quickly as the leech will instinctively try to reattach. Make sure you have bandages nearby so you’re ready to stop the flow of blood.
[Via The Art of Manliness]
Comments
2 responses to “How To Remove A Leech Properly [Infographic]”
I’ve heard applying alcohol (stronger the better) or heat (fire directly or a very hot object) will cause the leech to release its grip early.
If you apply heat, it causes the leech to spew some nasty stuff inside of you making for an unpleasant wound. However it will cause it to detach, as will salt.
Does salt also cause the leech to spew some nasty stuff inside?
Just flick them with your finger a few times, they’ll let go and drop off. You don’t need tools or fire (it can make them spew).