How to Remove a Tick Safely

Step-by-Step Tick Removal

1. 1

   Get fine-tipped tweezers

   Use pointy tweezers, not blunt or angled ones. Fine-tipped tweezers let you grasp the tick close to the skin without squeezing its body.

2. 2

   Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible

   Place the tweezers around the tick's head or mouthparts, right where it enters your skin. Do not grab the tick's body.

3. 3

   Pull upward with steady, even pressure

   Pull straight up slowly and firmly. Don't twist, jerk, or yank — this can cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin.

4. 4

   Clean the bite area

   Wash the bite site with rubbing alcohol, iodine scrub, or soap and water. Also clean your hands and the tweezers.

5. 5

   Save the tick

   Place the tick in a sealed bag or container with the date written on it. If you develop symptoms, the tick can be identified or tested.

6. 6

   Monitor for symptoms for 30 days

   Watch for a rash (especially a bullseye pattern), fever, joint pain, muscle aches, or fatigue. See a doctor immediately if symptoms appear.

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following within 30 days of a tick bite:

• ⚠A rash develops — especially a bullseye (erythema migrans) pattern
• ⚠Fever, chills, or body aches
• ⚠Joint pain or swelling
• ⚠Headache, stiff neck, or facial paralysis
• ⚠You cannot fully remove the tick or the mouthparts remain in the skin
• ⚠The tick was attached for more than 24-36 hours
• ⚠You were bitten by a deer tick in a Lyme-endemic area

How Long Until a Tick Transmits Disease?

This is why prompt removal is critical. The sooner you remove an attached tick, the lower your risk.