What to do when you find a limatik clinging on you

Blood leeches or limatik are a common sight — and a common problem — among hikers, especially during rainy season, when it's easier for them to move and well, attach on things, including unassuming hikers out to get their thrill. 

"Dry and hot season is not favorable for them because they dry up easily," Dr. Ferds Recio said in Filipino in an episode of "Born To Be Wild."

Wet grounds allow blood leeches to become more mobile, moving from one leaf to another, and one host to another, by using the suction found at both ends of its body.

Once it attaches to a host, it finds the area rich in blood supply and starts sucking. You won't usually feel the tip of their sucking mouth part since they secrete an anesthetic that won't let you feel its sucking motion.

Dr. Recio said that blood leeches usually only suck one to three millimeters of blood which "isn't a problem." For context: Humans can donate 250 to 500ml at a given time.

Recio shared that if you find one attached to you, it's best if you let it finish feeding, rather than to try pulling it off you.

"Sabi ng tao dito 'wag daw hihilahin because the mouth parts are attached sa skin and pwedeng maiwan 'yun doon, which can cause reactions, allergic reactions," he said.

[People here say that you shouldn't pull the blood leech because the mouth parts, which are attached to your skin, can be left there, which can cause reactions, allergic reactions.]

Dr. Recio added that when a blood leech attaches itself to its host, it's usually smaller, and as it feeds, it becomes engorged with blood.

When it's done feeding, it detaches on its own.

So next time you're on a hike, remember to wear socks that will cover your ankles and don on pants instead of shorts to protect your legs. And should you find a limatik being overly friendly and hungry, don't worry to much. Let it finish its business and let it slide. — Kaela Malig/LA, GMA News