Science Questions

I have found 2 leeches in my garden, we do not have a pond and live on an estate. What should I do with them, I have children, so dont want to put them back. Do you have any suggestions?? Many Thanks Amy

Leeches are a member of the worm family, and do not have to live in water, as long as they don’t risk drying out.  It’s unlikely that they will harm you; in fact medically speaking leeches have been used for centuries.

The saliva of leeches contains a natural anti-coagulant called hirudin.  This stops blood from clotting.  If a surgeon needs to reattach a body part, it’s relatively easy to attach the arteries that supply blood, but much harder to attach all the tiny veins which allow blood to get back out.  When lots of blood goes in and can’t get out this creates blood clots which can cause tissue to die.  If you attach leeches, they suck out some of the blood, establishing blood flow and avoiding clots.

July 2007