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How to Remove Bugs From Humans

Humans, like all animals, are prone to insect infestations. Bugs like flies, ants, spiders, and mosquitoes can be easily brushed off the skin. If they do bite or sting, they do so quickly and leave. Parasites burrow into the skin where they feed for longer periods. Some insects require our bodies not just for food, but as a breeding ground. It is important to remove bugs safely, before the presence of one or two becomes an infestation.

Things You'll Need

  • Tweezers
  • Medications
  • Nit comb
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Instructions

  1. Head Lice

    • 1

      Pick visible adult head lice from the scalp with fingernails or tweezers.

    • 2

      Treat the entire scalp with an over-the-counter or prescription medication that kills the adult lice. Natural, non-chemical treatments to kill adult head lice, such as coating the scalp with olive oil, can also be effective.

    • 3

      Remove nits (small rice shaped eggs) with a fine-toothed nit comb. Visually inspect the hair, close to the scalp, and remove any remaining nits with tweezers or fingernails.

    • 4

      Wash all bedding and clothing the infected person wore, or was in contact with, in hot water and dry on a high heat setting. Seal non-washable items in air-tight bags for two weeks.

    • 5

      Repeat treatment nine days after the initial treatment.

    Pubic Lice (Crabs)

    • 6

      Adult pubic lice and their nits can be picked off with fingernails or tweezers

    • 7

      If an infestation is present, treatment to the pubic region is similar to treating the scalp for head lice.

    • 8

      Notify all sexual partners, the infected person has been with a month prior to the infestation, so they can be treated as well.

    Ticks

    • 9

      Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Pull firmly, but gently. Avoid twisting or jerking movements.

    • 10

      Remove as many of the mouth parts as possible, if any were left in the skin, with tweezers and leave the rest.

    • 11

      Wash the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

    • 12

      Report the bite to your health professional if you develop a fever or rash within three weeks of the tick bite.

    Chiggers (Red Mites)

    • 13

      Wear long pants tucked into socks to prevent chiggers from getting on your skin.

    • 14

      Shower shortly after coming in from the outdoors to wash away chiggers before they attach to the skin.

    • 15

      Wash the red welts, left after the chiggers fall off, with soap and water. Contact your medical professional if treatment is required for the itch or an infection.

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