How to Tell What Kind of Tick Bit Someone

Ticks are a common insect that live in wooded and grassy areas throughout the United States and can transmit diseases through their bites. If you live in an area with ticks, you should always inspect yourself and your family after coming in from spending time outdoors for ticks and tick bites. There are two main types of ticks, soft and hard ticks, that carry diseases to humans. Hard ticks stay on much longer, but they are both equally dangerous. Knowing how to identify the type of tick bite will help you make the best decisions about your health and the health of your family.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Q-tip
• Rubbing alcohol

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Instructions

Identify tick bite

• 1

  Check for ticks and tick bites after being outside. Check under clothing as well as they can climb up pant legs and sleeves (they will be the most likely on the lower half of the legs).

• 2

  Remove the tick if it is still attached (this means it is most likely a hard tick, as they can hold on for up to an hour) by gripping it firmly with tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and pulling it off in one swift motion.

• 3

  Clean the area with the Q-tip and rubbing alcohol, and examine the site for signs of swelling.

• 4

  Identify the type of tick by the consistency of the bitten area. If it is not at all red or swollen, the tick was probably not attached long enough to leave any poisonous substance. If it is red and puffy, it may be infected. If it is larger than the size of a dime, it is probably from a hard tick, and if it is smaller than a pea, it is from a soft tick.

• 5

  Seek medical attention as soon as possible, and if you still have the tick, take it along in a plastic bag to show to the doctor.