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See also Wildlife | Emergency Lits
Leeches
Leeches can be removed in several ways.
-you can apply a hot match or cigarette lighter to them
-you can rub salt on them, or
-toothpaste also causes them to release their grip
I tried to cut a leech off using a knife once, but was unable to cut through it; they are very tough. Attempting to pull a leech off may result in the head breaking off inside your skin, leading to an infection risk.
Flies and Mosquitoes
Flies and mosquitoes are very annoying. However, it's not worth carrying insect repellent to deal with them, so I just put on long sleeves and trousers and put up with them. Make sure flies are kept off food.
Ticks
Ticks are found in great numbers in far east Gippsland. Remove them very carefully using tweezers, and it is critical to ensure that you remove the head; otherwise, it remains in the wound and can become infected.
Windburn
Windburn is insidious; it seems to sneak up on you from nowhere, only becoming apparent in the car on the way home. I carry a very small tube of Vaseline and coat liberally my lips twice daily to stop this.
Giardia
Giardia is an organism which causes severe stomach problems. At its worst, it can cause an expedition to grind to a halt. It is becoming more of a problem in popular bushwalking areas due to poor hygiene practices amongst bushwalkers. The best cure is prevention; ensure that all water is boiled, filtered, or chemically treated. However, chlorine-based water treatment tablets are ineffective against giardia; you will need to use iodine-based tablets.
Scoparia
Scoparia is a tough spiky plant which grows in alpine areas. It can grow over tracks from both sides, inflicting scratches and small cuts to the legs of bushwalkers. Wear gaiters to protect yourself. If travelling cross-country (not that you should be in the sensitive alpine areas this plant grows in) and confronted by a stand of scoparia, it is far easier to find a way around rather than attempt to plough through the middle.
Scorpions
Scorpions can be found under rocks, fallen logs, and similar places in some parts of south-eastern Australia. They have a venomous but not usually fatal sting in their tail, and fearsome-looking claws. Although not pleasant to have around, we have never had any trouble with them, and if found they are best left alone.
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