Remove attached ticks properly with fine-tipped tweezers

Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. Pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting or jerking. After removal, clean the bite area and hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Save the tick in a sealed bag with a damp cotton ball for possible identification or testing.

Why It Works

Steady upward pressure removes the tick intact, including the mouthparts embedded in the skin. Twisting or crushing the tick can cause it to regurgitate gut contents (including Borrelia) into the wound, increasing infection risk. Prompt removal within 24 hours dramatically reduces transmission probability.

Tips

• Never use petroleum jelly, nail polish, heat, or match heads to remove ticks (these cause the tick to regurgitate)
• If mouthparts break off, remove them with tweezers; if they cannot be removed easily, leave them and let the skin heal
• Note the date of the bite and monitor for 30 days for erythema migrans rash or flu-like symptoms
• Photograph the tick for species identification if possible