Don't Remove Tick These Ways!

by Jenn Smith May 04, 2020

A latched-on tick can send a calm person into a frenzy; but there are wrong ways to remove a tick from the skin of people and pets. Let's review.

The first reaction may be to claw the thing off; but removing a tick with fingernails is one of the worst things to do. If the tick is not removed in its entirety, then the tick could break off and spread diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, among others.

Do not use lighter fluid to "smoke out the tick" - after all, this is skin we're talking about; and the flame could harm children, pets and of course, you.

Lastly, do not squeeze the tick. It will not pop out immediately and doing so can unleash any harmful tick infections - if the tick is carrying any; but it isn't worth the chance.

Steps to safely remove a tick:

Disinfect the area with soap;
Take a tick remover tool; and gently lift the tick out of the skin. Avoid bending and twisting the tool to prevent the tick from chipping off;
Disinfect the area once more;
Take the tick to a tick testing lab for identification and make an appointment with a doctor or vet for Lyme Disease testing.