Removing Ticks from Humans and Pets: Effective Tick Removal Tips

Removing ticks promptly and effectively is crucial for both humans and pets to prevent potential diseases like Lyme disease. Here’s a guide on how to do it:

Correctly Removing A Tick

  1. Prepare: Use a dedicated tick remover tool or fine-tipped tweezers (pointed, not flat edged), gloves (if available), and disinfectant.

  2. Disinfect: Clean the area around the tick with a disinfectant such as alcohol gel. 
  3. Grasp the Tick: Position the tweezers as close to the skin's surface as possible, grasping the tick firmly but gently around the head.

  4. Remove Carefully: Pull upward with a steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.

  5. Cleanse: Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, and disinfect with alcohol gel (yes this will sting!).

  6. Collect: Place the tick in a sealed container or bag. It is easier and quicker to test the tick for diseases rather than yourself. There are Tick tests available on the market should you have concerns, but not all ticks carry a disease even if they did, transmission not always happens.

Disposing Of A Tick

Ticks are very robust insects and are very difficult to kill without spreading any diseases they could be carrying - thinking of squashing them here! Either submerge them in alcohol, or flush them down the toilet.


Monitoring A Tick Bite

Watch for signs of infection or illness in the following weeks, especially fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms. A bullseye rash around the bite area is a common early sign of Lyme disease. If you are presented with any of these symtoms, then it is probably a good idea to check with your doctor. 

    Homemade Remedies

    Avoid using items such as petroleum jelly or a hot match, as these can increase the risk of infection and won't help removing the tick. The same can be true for covering the tick in nail polish.

    Removal From Pets

    The process is the same but if you are unsure or uncomfortable removing ticks yourself, then please consult your vet. 

    Further Reading 

    To stay safe outdoor and help prevent getting bitten by them in the first place, read our essentail ticks tips and tricks guide.