Proper Tick Removal

All ticks must be removed promptly.  If you find a tick attached to your skin, do not panic but please take it seriously.  Not all ticks are infected, but the ones that are may pose a serious threat to your health.  Ticks may transmit diseases even with a very brief attachment time.  However, the longer the attachment time, the greater the chance of disease transmission. 

  If a Tick Bite Occurs:

Never twist the tick.

Do NOT try to remove the imbedded tick with your fingers.

Never use substances on the tick such as petroleum jelly, a hot match, gasoline, alcohol, or other products that will irritate the tick.  This will increase the likelihood of the tick "spitting up" in your skin, releasing more bacterium and potential for disease.

1.  Use a fine tipped or precision tweezers to firmly grasp the tick mouthparts or head as close to your skin as possible. 
 
2.  Avoid crushing the tick's body. DO NOT grasp the tick by the body.

3.  Pull the tick straight out away from your skin, with a firm and steady motion.  Never twist the tick. 

 4.  Carefully place the tick in a ziploc baggie or used medicine vial with a tight seal.  The tick may be tested for diseases.

5.  Immediately wash the bite site with soap and water, followed by alcohol disinfectant.  Disinfect the tweezers. 
 
6.  Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water.

7.  Contact your healthcare provider about the bite and possible need for antibiotics.

8.  Write down the date, time, and location of the imbedded tick.  Note if you have traveled or the town where the tick attachment might have occurred.

What Next?

 Monitor for signs of tick-borne illness, including Lyme disease.  Watch the site for a rash or any redness.  Learn about the other signs and symptoms of early Lyme disease.  If a rash or any other  flu like symptoms develop, see a physician immediately.  

**Note to school nurses, child care providers, camp counselors, etc.  If you remove a tick from a child at school or camp, parents need to be notified in writing and warned of the symptoms of tick-borne disease.  Parents should be instructed to contact their medical professional for guidance. An incident report should be completed and a copy sent home with child for the parent.

Tick Testing:

Some examples of tick-testing reference labs:

IGeneX Labs, Palo Alto, CA: 800-832-3200
MDL, Mt. Laurel, NJ: 877-269-0090