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Chockstone Forum - Accidents & Injuries

Report Accidents and Injuries

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leeches n tics 7-May-2005 At 2:13:29 PM Rosie

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The best way from my experience (bushwalking in SE QLD) is to roll a bit of rid (or any other insect repellent, I spose) on the tick's backside, wait a few minutes, and then twist anticlockwise. Apparently the rid makes the tick loosen its grip. I've never left the tick's head behind using that method. You have to make sure that you pull it cleanly, though, or the tick injects more juice, and you can get really stiff muscles and headaches for a few days afterwards if it's a biggie, especially if it's on your neck.

Leaches? Just pull them off. If you're squeemish, drop a pinch of salt on them and they shrivel up and drop off in about 30 secs. More entertaining to use the salt, I spose.

As an aside... I have not come across a single leach or tick since I moved to Victoria 2 1/2 years ago. I didn't even realise that they were an issue down here.