There are many tick removal methods floating around out there. Some people swear by the cigarette burn method, while others like to use petroleum jelly or nail polish. Unfortunately, these methods are not exactly correct. The safest and most effective way to remove a tick is with a pair of tweezers.
The right way to remove ticks
Before you start, you will need to have a pair of pointy tweezers nearby, and some rubbing alcohol. If you do not have rubbing alcohol, soap and hot water will work as well. Keep in mind that pointy tweezers are different from regular tweezers, which are squared off and which can tear the tick more easily.
With your tools in hand, you will want to start by cleaning the area around the bite with the rubbing alcohol or the soap and water. You then want to get the tweezers as close to the skin as possible in order to get the tick’s head. Start pulling slowly and firmly, and try not to jerk or twist. Maintain a steady pressure as you pull up. Once the tick is out, clean the bite area again. If during the process, a part of the tick’s head breaks off, it’s not ideal, but it is ok. The skin will heal eventually.
Dealing with the extracted tick
Once the tick is removed, you have two options: get it tested or discard it. Testing a tick is a good option if you want to find out whether it was carrying any diseases or not. All you have to do is place it in a sealed container and take it for testing at a state agency. If however, you are not sure where to send the tick, you can ask your doctor.
If you want to get rid of the tick, you can go about the process in one of several ways. You can drown it in rubbing alcohol or soapy water and then throw it away, flush it down the toilet, or wrap it in tape and then throw it away. However, do not try to crush it with your fingers, because you can get a disease from it that way.
Dealing with a tick infestation
If you are regularly bitten by ticks, you might have an infestation on your property. At this point, it’s best to call over a pest control specialist who will be able to remove the infestation. Contact us today for more information.