How to Kill Tree Ticks Safely

"Tree ticks" is the general term used for a variety of tick species that are found mainly in wooded areas. They particularly thrive in humid conditions. Usually ticks attach to their host whenever they are brushed up against, but they also can drop onto the host from a tree. They feed by digging into the victim's flesh and sucking blood. Ticks can be dangerous because they carry various kinds of disease, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It is important to remove and kill tree ticks as soon as you discover them on yourself or someone else. Doing so safely requires a few items you probably have on hand.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Small container
• Tweezers
• Iodine, vodka or high-proof liquor (optional)
• Soap and water
• Antiseptic
• Adhesive bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour rubbing alcohol into a small container. This is where you'll place a tree tick after it is removed from skin. Use enough alcohol to cover the tick completely.

• 2

  Tweezers are the best tool for extraction.

  Remove the tick using tweezers. To do this, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then slowly pull the tick straight out and off the skin. Don't remove the tick too quickly because its mouth may detach and remain embedded in the skin.

• 3

  Kill the tick. Placing it in the container of rubbing alcohol will cause the tick's immediate death. Do not squeeze the tick too much because it can explode and create a mess.

• 4

  Flush the dead tick down a toilet.

• 5

  Remove remains of the tick from skin. If black lines are left where the tick bit, then the tick's head is still in the skin and should be picked out. Applying iodine, vodka or high-proof liquor can help.

• 6

  Apply disinfectant. Because a tick can transmit disease, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and then apply antiseptic and an adhesive bandage to the bite.