Limatik: Be comfortable with it to avoid harming it

​Learn how to be comfortable with limatik so you don’t harm them.

     Leave No Trace principle #6 is RESPECT WILDLIFE, which covers the ever small but fearsome limatik, a ubiquitous habitue in upper, moist part of Philippine mountains.

     You don’t harm or kill them when they land on you. Remember we are visitors in their territory, hence we are the intruder. ‘Kaw kya pitikin, buhusan ng alcohol, sunugin ng apoy, o patayin sa sarili mong lugar.

     If it lands on you, relax and do not panic. They are harmless. But your mindless action would harm it.

Lizette lets the limatik freely explore her hand as she tries to see it up close and be comfortable with it. Result: Fear gone, no harm done.

How to remove:

1. [If still moving and crawling]: Scrape with a flat, sturdy material such as an ATM/credit/MRT card, driver's license, etc.

2. [If it has already bitten you]: Leave it. It will detach when done/full.

How to prevent:

To prevent getting into your eyes/ears:

1. Do frequent check with your climb buddy.
2. Apply any repellant on your skin prior to finding yourself in a limatik area.

If you have problem with limatik, do not go where they exist. Accept and embrace limatik as part of mountaineering.

     Otherwise, stay home.

  

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