How to Safely Remove a Tick: Expert Advice for Handling Tick Bites

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Discovering a tick attached to your skin can be unsettling, but knowing exactly how to remove it properly can significantly reduce your risk of tick-borne diseases. Dr. Brian Leydet, an associate professor of disease ecology and epidemiology, provides essential steps and expert tips to safely handle tick bites.

What to Do if You Find a Tick on You

If during your tick check you notice something unusual—a tiny speck that's not a freckle, with eight legs and movement—it's likely a tick. Here's Dr. Leydet’s step-by-step guide to safely removing it:

Stay Calm:

Your initial reaction might be panic, but remaining calm is key. Remember, the tick isn't going anywhere fast—it's attached.

Gather the Right Tools:

Fine-tipped tweezers (needle-nose tweezers are ideal)
Rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap for cleaning the bite afterward

Tick Removal Process:

Grasp the tick firmly at the base, as close to your skin as possible.
Pull upward steadily and slowly—avoid twisting or jerking motions. According to Dr. Leydet, who has removed thousands of ticks, patience ensures a clean removal.

After Removing the Tick:

Don't panic if mouthparts remain embedded; your immune system will naturally expel them over time.
Clean the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.

What to Do With the Removed Tick

Avoid disposing of the tick by burning it, flushing it, or throwing it away immediately. Instead, Dr. Leydet recommends placing it in a sealed plastic bag. Retaining the tick provides crucial evidence if you develop symptoms later, assisting your healthcare provider with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. By saving it, you can also choose to send it in for disease testing.

Monitoring Symptoms After a Tick Bite

After removal, monitor the bite site closely. A small rash or irritation, similar to a mosquito bite, is normal due to the tick's bite but does not necessarily indicate disease transmission. However, watch carefully for signs of illness, including:

Flu-like symptoms
Fever
Fatigue
Muscle or joint aches

If any of these symptoms arise, consult your healthcare provider promptly and bring the tick with you for examination.

Tick Bite Prevention Strategies

Preventing tick bites is the best defense against tick-borne diseases. Dr. Leydet emphasizes the importance of using effective tick repellents and performing regular tick checks, especially after outdoor activities. A great first line of defence is using permethrin. You can spray permethrin on your shoes and other outdoor gear to reduce tick attachments. Also, Insect Shield offers built-in tick repellent clothing that eliminates the need to reapply spray products constantly.