Best Way To Remove A Tick

Ticks are small yet carry an array of diseases, including Lyme disease. The average tick is between 3 to 5mm long. They are flat-bodied but these swell as they absorb blood. They are known as parasites as they feed off the blood of mammals and birds, including humans. 

Interestingly, ticks cannot fly or even jump. They spend all their time on a blade of grass waiting for a potential host to walk by. As your pet or you brush against the grass they simply walk onto you and then find a spot to feed.

Because of the risk of disease, if you think you have a tick problem in your yard you should contact a reputable pest control company. They can help you assess the issues and deal with any problem. If you need any help finding the right company, click here!

Why Tick Removal Needs To Be Done Properly

When a tick bites you it sucks blood from you. In the process, some of the toxins from its own blood will pass into your body. These are what cause the disease. The good news is that the amounts are minute. It will usually take 24 hours for there to be sufficient toxins passed to you for you to be infected.

The reason why ticks need to be removed carefully is that if you don’t do it properly part of the tick will remain in your body. This can continue to spread any disease and the site is likely to become infected, causing further issues. 

Removing a Tick

You can use a pair of tweezers. They need to have a reasonably long handle and must be fine-tipped, allowing them to close completely.

Place the tweezers at the base of the tick, as close to the surface of your skin as possible. Then, close the tweezers over the tick and pull upward with a steady and even pressure.  The tick will pull out. 

You must not twist it or jerk the tweezers as this will cause part of the tick to be left in your skin and potentially cause issues.

The tick should be disposed of in a solution of rubbing alcohol. You should also clean where the tick bit you. It is acceptable to use rubbing alcohol or soap to clean your hands and the bite area.

Top Tip:

You should never attempt to crush a tick with your fingers. If you have enough strength to implode it you will send the blood everywhere and possibly increase the chance of infection. 

The same procedure can be used on animals and humans. Of course, humans generally understand what is happening while your pet may need to be held in position. 

Extra Information

Hopefully, the removal goes smoothly and that is it. However, if you notice a rash or you have an excessively high temperature at any time during the following three weeks you should contact your doctor. They will want to know when you were bitten and roughly where you were when you were bitten.