STATE-OF-THE-ART STUDY ON LEECH REPELLENTS
Abstract
On the basis of the literature reviewed and discussions with investigators generally considered to be most knowledgeable, it has been deter mined that natives in areas inhabited by leeches accept them as part of the environment. The major concern about leeches is expressed by personnel who enter such areas and stems from the unfavorable psychological effect which leeches produce. M-1960, diethyl toluamide and dimethyl phthalate insect repellents will provide for leech repellency if used by personnel along with adequate clothing which provides a mechanical barrier. While these repellents are available and provide a high degree of protection from terrestrial leeches and to a much lesser extent from aquatic leeches, they lack widespread acceptance owing to the incomplete protection provided, lack of persistence, cosmetic disadvantages, unavailability, and to the fact that in some cases impregnated uniforms are required and these are uncomfortable in tropical regions. Owing to the lack of persistence, there is currently not an acceptable aquatic-leech repellent available. Gaps in our knowledge of effective leech repellents and leech morphology and taxonomy are identified. A long-range program to fill in these gaps is presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0413979
Entities
People
- Reynolds C. Overbeck
- Walter H. Veazie Jr.
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute