How to Dispose of a Removed Tick

You will learn how to easily dispose of a tick either after removal from a human or pet or even if you just find one crawling.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubbing Alcohol and a container you can seal. IE: Jar or baggie.

1. Prepare for disposal of the tick prior to removing or picking up the tick.
   Have rubbing alcohol already in the container you plan to put the tick into. Use as much or as little alcohol as you chose- enough to cover the tick when you drop the tick into the container.
   (See below tips on how to decide your method of storing/disposing of the container)
   Have this container near you when removing or picking up the tick.

2. OK, so you have the tick in your possession. It has already been removed! (If not removed: you need to save this article and search "Removal of Ticks".

3. Simply place the removed tick into the container of rubbing alcohol after you have removed it or picked it up. The tick dies immediately!
   (See below tips on how to decide your method of storing/disposing of the container)

Tips & Warnings

• You can chose to store the tick- If you removed the tick from a body area and that area becomes infected your vet or doctor may want to see the tick. You can use a baggie or jar you don't mind throwing away and dispose of it after putting it in the alcohol. I live in an area full of ticks- my neighbor whom has Lyme Disease was told by his doctor to date the baggie or jar and document the area on the body you pulled it from and store the ticks separately. By placing the date it was pulled off the body your doctor can determine how to treat you or your pets bite. And documenting where you pulled it from, in case you had more than one, will also help your doctor treat you or your pet.
• If you are concerned about the area you pulled the tick from seek your Doctor's advice! Keep the container you save the ticks in away from children and out of their reach.

[RENorton]

on 10/3/2008 Excellent piece. Very well-written and most informative. I definitely worry about this, especially with 2 boys in our house. Thanks for the helpful tips! Great work!

[Alisiane]

on 9/29/2008 Love step 2...lol
The alcohol is a good step to be sure the nasty little thing is dead. Nothing worse than celebrating your kill victory only to see the supposed victim get up and hop away! :-)