Solutions for Tick Removal

Ticks are prevalent in wooded and rural areas and cause many health problems for humans, pets and wild animals. Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are just two diseases spread from ticks on the East Coast of the United States. Proper clothing, and removal of ticks as soon as they are visible, are the most efficient ways to avoid these diseases.

Timing

• Removing the tick as soon as you notice it is the best way to prevent transmission of disease from the tick. Risk of infection increases from 24 to 72 hours after the tick has attached to skin. Consult a doctor if a red bullseye appears around the tick bite, or if it swells and becomes red. These can be signs of infection or disease.

Removal

• Remove the tick with a pair of tweezers to reduce the chance of the mouth parts breaking off into the bite area. Do not use petroleum jelly or a match if the tick is still on skin as the tick can burrow down into the skin and cause further problems. Inspect the area for any remaining parts and remove those with the tweezers.

Preservation

• Place the tick into a jar of alcohol to kill it and place it in a plastic bag labeled with the date and location. A doctor may want to test the tick if the bite wound becomes infected. Do not use petroleum jelly, nail polish remover, a needle or a hot match to kill the tick.

Wound Care

• Remove all pieces of the tick and disinfect the area with antiseptic solution. Watch the wound for signs of change and take note of possible symptoms of infection. These include, but are not limited to, fever, headache, joint pain, stiff neck, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, numbness, tingling and other symptoms which you can find by consulting your doctor or the Center for Disease Control website.