How to remove a tick
If you spot a tick on your skin, remove it as soon as possible.
- Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Do not use your fingers.
- If using tweezers: In a slow, gentle, yet firm motion, pull out without twisting, until the tick’s mouth lets go. Don’t squeeze it. Squeezing the tick can cause bacteria or parasites in the tick to be accidentally introduced into your body. If parts of the tick’s mouth break off and remain in your skin, remove them with the tweezers. If this is difficult to do, leave them alone and let the skin heal.
If using a tick removal card: Holding the tick card flat against the skin, slide the notch under the tick. Gently push the card forward and upward with steady pressure. Allow the tick to let go and be pulled out of the skin easily. - After removing the tick, place it in a secure container such as a screw-top bottle. Record the date and location of the bite (if you know), the part of your body where you were bitten, and the date you removed the tick. You may wish to take the container with the tick to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands and thoroughly cleanse the bite site with rubbing alcohol and/or soap and water.
- If you believe the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, do not delay to consult your health care provider or pharmacist.
- Watch for symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases, including flu-like symptoms and/or an unusual rash. If you have symptoms or just feel unwell in the weeks following a tick bite, seek medical attention and advise your health care provider that you have been bitten by a tick.
Watch and share this video on how to properly remove a tick.
DO NOT burn the tick or use nail polish, petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) or another substance. These methods may inject tick-borne disease bacteria into the skin.
