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How to Remove a Burrowed Tick

Ticks are parasitic insects found throughout North America. They are incredibly hardy and can even regrow portions of their body or legs after they are removed or damaged. Ticks attach themselves to hosts, both animals and humans, and draw blood by piercing their host's skin or hide. While they do not consume a significant amount of blood, they are known to spread dangerous pathogens, including Lyme's disease. It is critical to completely remove a burrowed tick. Leaving only a small part of the head, for example, can allow the tick to survive and eventually reform its body.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towel
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Latex or plastic gloves (optional)
  • Tweezers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove clothing and brush away hair or other obstructions near the burrowed tick. If you are removing a tick from an animal, have another person hold it still if possible. If a human has the tick, have them sit or lay down while you remove it. Position the bite under a light source to improve visibility.

    • 2

      Douse a cotton swab or paper towel with rubbing alcohol liberally. Squeeze it out over the tick bite or dab around the affected area. You also can dump a small amount over the area if no swabs are available. Use as much as needed to saturate the skin around the tick. The alcohol may sting if the tick bite is sizable enough to allow it through to more sensitive layers of the skin.

    • 3

      Observe the tick for 20 to 30 minutes to see if it releases its grip or tries to back out of the skin. Apply more rubbing alcohol two or three more times as you wait. The liquid cuts off the burrowed tick's breathing and makes it easier to remove without leaving any parts embedded in the skin.

    • 4

      Put on latex gloves if desired, and place a finger from each hand on either side of the burrowed tick. Gently squeeze beneath the tick to force it out of the cavity. Apply pressure consistently and move your fingers closer to the tick's head. Repeat this motion until the tick's head is near the surface of the skin.

    • 5

      Grip the tick's head with a pair of tweezers, but don't apply too much pressure as it may cause the tick's body to rupture, which will make it difficult to completely remove. Slowly pull the tick from the wound, examine it closely as you do so to be sure you have the entire insect in the tweezers.

    • 6

      Deposit the tick in a toilet, sink or container. Examine the bite wound closely, look for any remaining pieces of the tick in the wound. Tick bodies are dark, usually black or brown, and should stand out against most skin tones. Pull any remaining pieces out with the tweezers, then apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to sterilize the wound.

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