Tick Removal

Ticks are small insects that feed on the blood of a host by using their mouths to latch onto the skin. According to WebMD, most tick bites do not cause serious health problems, but it is important to remove a tick from your skin as soon as you notice it. Ticks can transport bacteria and diseases, including Lyme disease, and a risk of infection increases 24 to 72 hours after the tick attaches to the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Fine tipped tweezers
• Soap
• Warm water
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Plastic bag with seal or jar with lid(optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Use the tweezers to grasp the tick firmly by its head or mouth. Firmly grab the part of the tick that is closest to your skin without tearing the insect's head from its body. Do not grab the tick around its belly as this could result in you squeezing fluid into your body.

• 2

  Pull the tick away from your skin with a firm, steady motion. Pull the tick straight out. Do not use a twisting motion. Avoid crushing the tick but do not become alarmed if the tick's mouth parts remain in the skin after the body is removed.

• 3

  Throw the tick into the trash or place it in the jar or plastic bag if you wish to have a medical professional inspect the insect. Use the soap and water to lather and clean the affected area as well as your hands.