WATCH: Blood-sucking leech removed from a hiker’s eye

Traversing the mountains can be exhilarating and daunting experiences one can never forget. Trekking the rough roads, discovering unfamiliar sights, and capturing breathtaking views are just some of the many reasons why people enjoy the climb. But before reaching your destination, expect also those “little” obstacles along the way.

One mountaineer shared a video on his Facebook showing how he removed a limatik or leech from a fellow hiker’s eye using a cotton swab and tweezers.

How did the blood-sucker get there in the first place? Miguel Mapalad, the uploader of the clip, said the woman was looking at it when it jumped straight into her left eye. This happened while they were climbing Mt. Makiling via the traverse trail.

Pinoy travel blogger, Ruby Batallones, said they were navigating the steep ascent of the Yakult trail until it rained. The leeches came out as the rain  fell steadily.

Although there were four of them who got leeches in their eyes, the one in the video stayed with the woman for more than two hours.

What’s a limatik?

More commonly called as “limatik” (Tagalog), “limatok” (Bicol and elsewhere), and “matok” (Cordilleras), these slimy parasites reach at least 1 to 3 cm. in length and breed during the rainy season. They can also sense vibrations to detect approaching animals and humans.

According to mountaineers, the limatiks live in forests where biodiversity is rich. Among these are Mt. Halcon and its peripheral mountains Mt. Calavite, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Mt. Natib, Mt. Isarog (Patag-Patag trail), Mt. Kanlaon (Wasay trail), and Mt. Talinis (Cuernos de Negros).

How to prevent limatik bites

Although you cannot avoid the limatiks especially when you are inside their territory, you can however prevent them from sucking your blood.

• Use leggings and rashguards to keep them from getting in contact with your skin. It is also advisable to wear light colored clothes to easily spot the dark-colored limatiks
• While other hikers wear ear-plugs and goggles so it can’t enter their ears and eyes, other mountaineers do not recommend this as your ability to hike may be compromised
• Don’t sit on logs while resting
• Your tents should not be attached to trees
• Apply insect repellent lotion. Forest rangers also suggest rubbing detergent soap on the surface of your clothing to ward off the leeches
• Mt. Kanlaon guides said tobacco leaves can also do the job

If it gets on your skin, simply remove the leech by sliding your fingernail beneath its mouth, until it loses its grip. In cases where the limatik enters your mouth and nose, gargle with gin or any alcoholic beverage. If it goes inside your eye, apply eye drops or saline solution. Don’t worry as it will not damage the eye or make you blind.

Do you have any experience with these blood-sucking creatures? Share them in the comments below.

Featured image via Miguel Mapalad Facebook