Leech-proof socks

["Rosemary Royle" <>]

Yes, leech-proof socks do exist but they are not socks in the normal sense of 
the word i.e. they are not made of knitted fabric. They are simply a 
knee-length sock-shaped object with a drawstring at the top, made of closely 
woven cotton. The close weave of the cotton really does keep out the leeches. 
If you tuck your trousers into the socks and tuck your shirt into your trousers 
you can keep pretty leech proof (except for your face and hands!). You can also 
put repellent on the socks if you wish.

You can buy them from the Oriental Bird Club website, or in Sri Lanka (where we 
used them) they simply make them up with any handy suitable fabric. And instead 
of a drawstring they often just use an elastic garter. The advantage of making 
your own is that you can make them to fit your feet and legs - the ones from 
the OBC are very large!

Rosemary Royle