How do I Remove Tick Insects?
Ticks live in tall grass, woods and forests. They attach themselves to people and pets by physical contact. Ticks cause disease, illnesses and, in extreme cases, even death. Removing a tick is relatively straightforward with the right equipment and careful handling.
Things You'll Need
- Pair of tweezers or a tick remover
- Disinfectant
- Gloves
- Jar or tub
- Alcohol
Instructions
-
-
1
If the tick is on your body, put a pair of gloves on to protect your hands. Using a pair of tweezers, remove the tick from your skin by grabbing it "by the head or mouthparts" and pulling it in an upwards direction, according to the American Lyme Disease Foundation. If part or parts of the tick break off and remains on the skin, use the same method to take away the remains of the tick.
-
2
Use soapy water to clean your hands and the part of the body the tick was on. Apply some antiseptic cream to stop possible infection from the tick.
-
-
3
Wait approximately three weeks to see if the tick had bitten you. Contact your doctor and get some medication if you develop a rash or have a temperature.
-
4
If the tick is on your pet, go to the local pet shop and buy a tick remover. Alternatively buy a pair of tweezers.
-
5
Using one of the removal instruments, take hold of the tick firmly by the head and pull upwards slowly. Kill the tick by placing it in a sealed tub or jar that has been filled with alcohol. Apply some disinfectant to stop any possible infection.
-
6
Wash your hands in soapy water.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ticks are not killed by flushing them down the toilet. Always use a jar and alcohol to kill them.
Never scratch where the tick has been as this could cause swelling.
References
- Photo Credit grass image by Thomas Quinlan from Fotolia.com
