What to Do to Properly Remove a Tick

Removing ticks and all their parts is important in preventing transmission of tick-borne diseases.

We understand that the thought of ticks gives many folks a case of the heebie-jeebies. Living in Southern New Hampshire means that you really must know what to do to remove a tick – just in case! Your chances of encountering ticks in New England are growing, because tick populations continue to grow. So do not be surprised if your children or pets come back indoors from playing with a tick attached. Improper tick removal will leave tick body parts behind, increasing the risk of infection. Remain calm, use alcohol to disinfect the skin if possible, and follow these removal instructions!

How to Properly Remove a Tick

1. Use pointed-tip tweezers. Employing pointed tweezers allows you to remove the tick at 90 degrees and clearly see your grasp of the tick and its parts.
2. Grasp the tick close to the skin. Ticks dig deep into the skin during the time they are attached. Being close to the skin, you can be more certain you have the head as well as the mouth-parts of the tick.
3. Pull upwards with a slow, steady motion. Jerking the tick off skin allow parts of it to be left behind.

Watch this video to see a tick removal demonstration.

Remember, slow and steady pressure up, using pointed tweezers is your best chance at removing all the tick parts and preventing infection. Do not hurry when using these tips. No matter how icky removing the tick feels, you want all the parts removed. Ask for help if you are not sure you can do it.

What NOT to do When Removing a Tick

At Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire, we believe it is equally important to know what not to do when attempting to remove a tick from yourself, another person, or your pets. No matter what you read or see on social media, do not make the mistakes below!

1. Do not use a match, lighter, or any hot object to burn the tick off the skin.
2. Do not smother the tick using Vaseline or essential oil.
3. Do not twist as you attempt to remove it off the skin.
4. Do not try to poison the tick or make it release with alcohol, nail polish, or other substances.

We offer Litchfield tick control at home, all year long.

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire will help protect you and your family from the threat of ticks around your home. You might believe that “seasonal” Litchfield tick control is your best protection, but we offer methods of control all year long! From spring through fall, our barrier tick control mist will help protect the areas around your home. For the fall and winter, we offer a tick tube program, which will help reduce the tick population that emerges in the spring.

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire will help protect your family from the threat of tick bites around your home with year-round tick control. Call us at (603) 538-3125 to begin your Litchfield tick control program.