How bad are the leeches in Sinharaja rainforest really?

The leeches in Sinharaja are honestly very real and very abundant especially after any rainfall which happens almost daily in this rainforest. However they are completely harmless and do not transmit any diseases to humans. Most visitors get a few small leech bites during their hike which bleed for a while afterwards but cause no lasting harm. Buy a pair of locally made cloth leech socks at the park entrance for around three hundred rupees. These are pulled up over your regular socks and tied tightly around your knees creating an effective barrier the tiny leeches cannot easily penetrate. Wear long pants tucked into the leech socks and apply strong insect repellent containing DEET around your ankles and shoes for extra protection. Some experienced guides also recommend rubbing soap or salt around your shoes which deters the leeches from climbing aboard. If a leech does latch on do not panic and never pull it off forcefully as this can leave the jaws embedded in your skin causing infection. Instead flick it off gently with a fingernail or wait for it to drop off naturally once full. Apply antiseptic to any bites afterwards and the small wounds will heal quickly within a few days. Do not let the leeches scare you away from this incredible UNESCO rainforest as the wildlife sightings and ancient trees are absolutely unforgettable.