Leaches?

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I know where people are coming from when they have an aversion to them. But just watch how they swim - the movement is really beautiful and I defy anyone not to think better of them when they have witnessed this.

....I think too many people too easily have aversions to various creatures and plants. They all have a part to play in the balance of nature and, if given a chance, can give you pleasure (as you have noticed) and fascination at the very least.

In my garden there ain't no such thing as a weed and I'm not hung up on what's called native or alien either.

[Littlesparrow]

Hi Red Robin, yes I'm guilty, leeches, cockroaches, maggots all make me go yuck.with me I think it is something to do with things living in dirt and spreading disease and biting things.
I don't have any trouble with touching wax worms for instance as I know they turn into moths, no trouble with spiders unlike my husband, but throw a maggot at me and I'm off screaming.

[Red Robin]

Hi Littlesparrow

I stay well away from snakes - My closest encounter was with a Rattlesnake in Arizona. So you might say I have an aversion. But I don't mind 'dirt' and never wash vegetables and will eat food even if it's been on the floor and I've never got ill from such habits. I've handled and skinned dead animals too.

No point interfering with another creature if it's going to bite you though. But you have to ask yourself why it would bite you.

I think we all have our personal aversions probably based on our upbringing. The important thing is not to automatically switch into kill mode.