Where do leeches come from

Leeches are most commonly found in shallow areas of lakes among plants, under rocks, sticks, logs, and attached to decaying leaves.

Leeches are typically found in shallow, protected waters, concealed among aquatic plants or under stones, logs and other debris. They are attracted to water disturbance around docks and swimming areas.

Leeches can be annoying and their bites can make us itchy but they are not usually dangerous to humans. In fact, leeches have been used to treat human diseases for thousands of years.

Leeches are pretty hard to avoid if you are in an area that has a large population but some methods that people have had some luck with include using insect repellent, waterproof sunscreen, wearing stockings (you have an excuse guys!!), long pants and gaiters.

Summertime means more leeches. Leeches reproduce in the spring. The young leeches are out of their cocoons several weeks later, just in time for swimming season! While generally nocturnal creatures, leeches are attracted to water disturbance like that created by swimming and wading.