How to Burn Ticks with a Match

Ticks are awful little insects that can jeopardize the health of your pet and your family. Ticks latch onto an animal or human, suck blood and spread disease. Removing ticks is a really important part of safeguarding your household's health. One method of tick disposal is using a match. This guide will get you started.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tweezers
• Matches
• Comb (optional)

1. Remove the tick from your pet. This step is not easy, but very critical. Use tweezers, and separate the fur with a comb as necessary. Use the tweezers to firmly but gently pull the tick's body off. Get all of it.

2. Apply the first aid cream your vet recommends.

3. Put the tick into or onto something fireproof. A large flat rock away from flammable debris works fine.

4. Light the match and hold it onto the tick until the tick dies.

5. Avoid putting living ticks back into your yard. The ticks will just jump back onto your dog or cat (or you!).

Tips & Warnings

• Almost all pet tick issues can be avoided by proper prevention. Talk with your vet about anti-tick medication.
• The worst thing you could do is try to burn the tick off your pet.
• Avoid the old wives tales of covering the tick with vegetable oil or rubbing alcohol. Tweezers are the most sure method for tick removal.