Leeches have their horror stories. In olden times, patients bled to death from these creatures. How can that be? Do they attack? Should I stress out when one is on me by the river?
Here is valuable information about the dreaded leeches.
Lifestyle
Leeches are worms with flattened bodies. They are often black or brown, although some species are brightly colored. Many leeches have bright, speckled, or striped patterns. They are amazingly flexible, able to expand and contract to the point where it’s difficult to measure them. Leeches suck blood on animals, fish, birds, and mammals. When they bite, they inject a substance that prevents blood clotting.
In the nineteenth century, doctors used leeches to suck the bad blood out of ill patients.
Habitat
Leeches live in warm, calm, shallow water. To avoid light, they crawl around rocks.
Leeches are found in Missouri waters statewide.
Bitten?
It is best to remove the leech by gently pulling it away. Then, clean the area with alcohol or a first aid cleanser. To protect the wound, cover it with a sterile bandage. It may bleed for a little while. Like an insect bite, the wound may be itchy for 2-3 days while it heals. It normally heals on its own.
You may want to seek professional help if you have redness or swelling.
Leeches are not desirable and can make a fun family outing bothersome. But with a little precaution and foresight, one can continue the fun even after being bitten.
