Does it take an action or an object interaction to pull a stirge from your neck?

Question

The "Interacting with Objects Around You" sidebar on PHB p. 190 (or here in the basic rules) says:

Here are a few examples of the sorts of thing you can do in tandem with your movement and action:

draw or sheathe a sword

Would pulling a stirge attached to your neck count as "interacting with an object", or would it take an actual action?

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score 21 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 14 '18 at 21:12

21

It's an action, because the Stirge's monster description says so

As per the creature's entry in the basic rules:

A creature, including the target, can use its action to detach the stirge.

You have to use your action to detach the Stirge.

answered Aug 14 '18 at 21:12

Carcer

score 13 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 14 '18 at 21:11

The specific action to remove a stirge...

A creature, including the target, can use its action to detach the stirge.

... is not covered by the Use an Object action (emphasis mine)

When an object requires your action for its use, you take the Use an Object action.