How to Remove a Tick

It is important to remove a tick from the skin as soon as possible. However, removing ticks can be a little tricky. If you find a tick embedded in your skin, don't panic.

There are several devices available online to help remove ticks, but tweezers will work effectively.

It is important to use this step by step guide when removing ticks because if done incorrectly the situation can quickly become more difficult. 

How to remove a tick

1. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the surface of the skin as possible. 

2. Pull the tweezers upward steadily with even pressure. Be careful not to twist or jerk the tick as the tick's mouth may break off and remain in the skin.

If the mouth-parts do break off, remove them with tweezers. If you are still unable to remove the mouth with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal. 

3. Clean the bite location and your hands thoroughly. Use rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water to clean the locations.

4. To Properly dispose of a live tick submerse it in alcohol, wrap it tightly in tape, flush it down the toilet, or place it in a sealed bag or container. Do not attempt to crush a tick with your fingers. 

Follow-up Tick bite information

If you see a rash or a fever develop within 30 days of removing a tick make sure to see your doctor.

Tell your doctor about the tick bite, when it occurred, what the tick looked like, and where you most likely got the tick from. This information can be vital to the diagnosis of possible tick-borne diseases like Lyme Disease. 

If you are worried about tick or mosquito populations near your home contact American Pest. We have a mosquito and tick control program that can limit the populations of these pests and rid you of concerns in your own yard.

If you spend a lot of time in areas that may have increased tick activity it is important that you know how to avoid being bitten.