The Best Way to Remove a Tick From a Person

Ticks are small insects, similar to roaches, that feed on blood. After finding their way onto someone's body, they burrow their way into the victim's skin. Ticks are more likely to affect dogs and cats, but they can spread to humans. Removal is important to avoid the spread of disease. Wear gloves and use caution when dealing with ticks in any capacity.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable gloves
• Tweezers or pliers
• Soap and water
• Antibacterial ointment
• Bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Don disposable gloves and grasp the tick, as closely to the person's body as possible, firmly with a pair of tweezers or pliers.

• 2

  Pull on the tick in a slow and controlled motion until it comes out of the skin. The head of the tick is likely to break off and stay embedded in the skin.

• 3

  Grasp the head of the tick and pull it out of the skin with the same slow and controlled motion.

• 4

  Dispose of the tick carefully. Touching it with bare hands can result in the spread of disease.

• 5

  Wash the wound and your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

• 6

  Apply antibacterial ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage.