What should be done with a tick after removal?

Immediate Actions After Tick Removal

Checking the Removal Site

Inspecting for Remaining Tick Parts

After a tick is removed, a thorough visual examination of the bite site is essential. The goal is to confirm that the mouthparts, especially the hypostome, have not been left embedded in the skin. Retained fragments can cause local inflammation, infection, or facilitate transmission of pathogens.

Key points for effective inspection:

Clean the area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic solution.
Use a magnifying lens or a bright light source to enhance visibility.
Look for any dark, pointed structures protruding from the wound.
Gently palpate the surrounding skin; a raised or tender spot may indicate a hidden fragment.
If a fragment is suspected, attempt removal with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward.

Should any part remain despite these measures, seek professional medical evaluation promptly. Documentation of the bite date, tick species (if known), and any symptoms supports appropriate follow‑up care.

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Area

After a tick is extracted, the bite area must be cleaned promptly to minimise the risk of bacterial infection. Begin by washing the site with mild soap and running water, using gentle friction to remove any residual debris. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.

Apply an appropriate antiseptic to the wound. Suitable options include:

iodine‑based solution
hydrogen peroxide (3 % concentration)
chlorhexidine gluconate

Allow the antiseptic to remain on the skin for the recommended contact time, then cover the area with a sterile adhesive bandage if bleeding occurs. Observe the site for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge over the following 24–48 hours; seek medical attention if symptoms progress.

Proper disposal of the tick and used cleaning materials further reduces contamination risk. Place the tick in a sealed container before discarding, and discard disposable gloves and wipes in a sealed bag.

Tick Preservation for Identification and Testing

Why Preserve the Tick?

Preserving a tick after it has been detached serves several practical purposes. The specimen can be examined to confirm species, which influences risk assessment for disease transmission. Laboratory analysis of the tick may reveal the presence of pathogens such as Borrelia, Anaplasma or Rickettsia, providing definitive evidence that supports clinical decisions. Documentation of the tick’s characteristics creates a reliable record for medical charts, insurance claims or epidemiological reporting. Retained specimens also contribute to research on vector distribution and emerging infections.

Species identification for risk evaluation
Pathogen detection to guide treatment
Accurate record‑keeping for health and legal matters
Data source for scientific studies

When preservation is required, place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or a small tube, add a drop of 70 % ethanol if long‑term storage is needed, label with date, location and host, then store in a refrigerator (4 °C) or a cool, dark place. This straightforward protocol maintains specimen integrity for subsequent analysis.

Methods for Tick Storage

After a tick is detached, preserving the specimen enables accurate species identification and pathogen testing. Proper storage minimizes degradation of DNA and morphological features.

Recommended preservation methods:

Submerge the tick in 70 % ethanol. Ethanol halts enzymatic activity and maintains tissue integrity for several months. Use a sealable tube, ensure the specimen is fully immersed, and label the container with collection date, location, and host information.
Freeze at –20 °C or lower. Rapid freezing preserves nucleic acids for molecular assays. Place the tick in a sterile, airtight vial before transferring to a freezer. Avoid repeated thaw‑freeze cycles.
Desiccate in a sealed, low‑humidity container with a silica‑gel packet. Dry storage suits short‑term holding when liquid preservatives are unavailable. Rehydrate the specimen only when required for molecular work.
Submit directly to a reference laboratory. Many public health agencies provide mail‑in kits containing ethanol vials and pre‑labeled forms. Prompt shipment reduces the risk of degradation.

Documentation requirements:

Record precise collection details: date, geographic coordinates, host species, and attachment site on the host.
Assign a unique identifier to each specimen. Include the identifier on the storage container and in a digital log.
Note the preservation method used. Consistency in logging facilitates comparative studies and quality control.

Safety considerations:

Handle specimens with gloves to prevent accidental exposure to pathogens.
Dispose of used ethanol containers according to hazardous‑waste regulations.
Decontaminate work surfaces after processing ticks.

Selecting a method depends on available resources, intended analyses, and time constraints. Ethanol immersion offers a balance of preservation quality and ease of transport, while freezing provides optimal nucleic‑acid stability for advanced molecular diagnostics.

«In a Sealed Bag or Container»

After extraction, the tick must be isolated from the environment to prevent accidental contact and to preserve it for potential analysis. Placing the specimen in a sealed bag or container provides a barrier that eliminates escape risk and protects other surfaces from contamination.

A sealed enclosure offers several practical advantages. It maintains the tick’s integrity, allowing accurate identification of species and assessment of pathogen presence. The closed environment also prevents dehydration, which can compromise morphological features needed for laboratory examination.

Recommended procedure for containment:

Transfer the tick with tweezers into a small, airtight plastic bag, a screw‑cap vial, or a similarly sealed container.
Expel excess air, then seal the opening firmly to ensure no gaps.
Attach a label indicating the date of removal, the bite location on the host, and any relevant contextual information (e.g., travel history, outdoor activity).
Store the sealed unit in a cool, dark place, preferably at 4 °C, until it can be examined by a professional.

If laboratory testing is planned, forward the sealed container to a qualified diagnostic facility promptly. When testing is unnecessary, dispose of the sealed bag by placing it in a household waste bin and sealing the outer trash bag, thereby eliminating any residual hazard.

«With a Damp Paper Towel»

After extracting a tick, immediate containment prevents the insect from re‑attaching or contaminating the surrounding area. The method «With a Damp Paper Towel» offers a simple, low‑cost solution that limits tick movement while preserving its integrity for proper disposal.

A moist paper towel creates a slick surface that reduces the tick’s grip, discourages crawling, and minimizes the chance of the mouthparts detaching during handling. The moisture also lowers the risk of aerosolizing pathogens that could be released if the tick is crushed.

Procedure

Prepare a clean paper towel; dampen it with water until it is uniformly moist but not dripping.
Place the tick onto the centre of the towel, ensuring the insect contacts the wet surface immediately after removal.
Fold the towel gently over the tick, sealing it within the moist layers.
Transport the wrapped tick to a sealed container (e.g., a zip‑lock bag) for later disposal or laboratory analysis.
Discard the paper towel and container according to local health‑authority guidelines.

Using the «With a Damp Paper Towel» technique eliminates the need for forceps or chemical agents, reduces the likelihood of accidental bite, and maintains a controlled environment for the tick until it can be destroyed safely.

«Avoiding Alcohol or Disinfectants for Preservation»

After a tick is detached, preserving the specimen for identification or pathogen testing requires careful handling. Exposure to alcohol or other disinfectants compromises the integrity of the tick’s exterior and internal contents, reducing the reliability of subsequent analyses. Therefore, avoid applying any liquid antiseptic directly to the removed arthropod.

Recommended preservation practices:

Place the tick in a sealed container (e.g., a small plastic tube) without additional chemicals.
Store the container at a cool temperature, preferably in a refrigerator (4 °C) if testing will be delayed beyond a few hours.
If immediate transport to a laboratory is possible, keep the specimen dry and protected from sunlight.
Document the removal date, location, and host details on the container label before sealing.

When a disinfectant is needed for the bite site, clean the skin with antiseptic after the tick has been secured in the container. This separates the two purposes: wound hygiene and specimen preservation. Using this approach maintains the tick’s morphological features and nucleic acids, enabling accurate species identification and reliable laboratory testing.

Monitoring for Symptoms and Potential Illnesses

Common Tick-Borne Diseases

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. Early recognition of the disease hinges on timely identification of the tick bite and appropriate post‑removal actions.

After a tick has been detached, the following measures are recommended:

Clean the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
Preserve the tick in a sealed container, preferably with a damp cotton ball, for possible laboratory testing.
Record the date of removal and the geographic location of the encounter.
Observe the bite area and overall health for up to 30 days, noting any expanding rash, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain.
If the tick was attached for more than 24 hours and local infection rates are high, discuss with a healthcare professional the option of a single‑dose prophylactic antibiotic regimen, typically doxycycline, initiated within 72 hours of removal.

Prompt medical evaluation is warranted when characteristic symptoms emerge, especially the erythema migrans rash. Early antibiotic therapy significantly reduces the risk of long‑term complications such as arthritis, neurological disorders, and cardiac involvement. Proper disposal of the tick—by freezing, sealing in a bag, or incineration—prevents accidental re‑exposure.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe rickettsial disease transmitted primarily by the wood‑tick Dermacentor species. The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii resides in the tick’s salivary glands and can be introduced into the host during a prolonged feeding period. Prompt and proper management of the removed tick reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and provides material for diagnostic confirmation.

After a tick is detached, the following actions are recommended:

Place the tick in a sealed container (plastic vial or zip‑lock bag) with a damp piece of paper to preserve its morphology.
Label the container with the date, location of attachment, and host species.
Submit the specimen to a public health laboratory or veterinary service for species identification and, if indicated, polymerase chain reaction testing for R. rickettsii.
Discard the container by freezing for at least 24 hours or by immersing in 70 % ethanol; both methods inactivate potential pathogens.
Observe the host for signs of RMSF (fever, headache, rash, myalgia) for a minimum of 14 days. Initiate empirical doxycycline therapy promptly if clinical suspicion arises, without awaiting laboratory confirmation.

Accurate identification of the tick species assists epidemiological surveillance, clarifies exposure risk, and guides public‑health interventions. Retaining the specimen also enables retrospective testing, which may confirm infection in cases where clinical presentation is atypical.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection transmitted primarily by the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. The pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, invades neutrophils and can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, organ dysfunction. Prompt recognition of exposure reduces the risk of complications.

After a tick is detached, the following actions are recommended:

Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution.
Preserve the tick in a sealed container with a moist cotton ball for possible laboratory identification.
Record the date of removal and the geographic location of the encounter.
Observe the bite area and the individual for at least four weeks for signs such as fever, chills, or malaise.
If fever or other systemic symptoms develop, obtain a blood sample for polymerase chain reaction testing or serology to confirm infection.
In high‑risk situations—e.g., known exposure to a tick from an endemic area—consider a short course of doxycycline as prophylaxis, following current clinical guidelines.

Early detection and appropriate antimicrobial therapy markedly improve prognosis and prevent progression to severe disease.

Powassan Virus

After extracting a tick, retain the specimen in a sealed container for possible laboratory analysis. Include the date of removal, geographic location, and host species on the label. Submit the sample to a public‑health or veterinary laboratory that offers testing for arboviruses, including Powassan virus.

Observe the bite site for several weeks. Powassan virus symptoms typically appear within one to five weeks and may include fever, headache, nausea, and neurological deficits. If any of these signs develop, seek medical evaluation promptly and inform the clinician that the tick was saved for testing.

Because no specific antiviral therapy or prophylactic treatment exists for Powassin infection, management relies on early diagnosis and supportive care. Documentation of the tick and timely reporting facilitate surveillance and improve case identification.

Key actions after tick removal:

Place the tick in a dry, airtight vial.
Record removal date, site, and host details.
Forward the vial to an accredited testing facility.
Monitor the bite area and the host for up to five weeks.
Consult healthcare providers immediately if systemic or neurological symptoms arise.

Symptoms to Watch For

Localized Reactions at the Bite Site

After a tick is extracted, the bite area should be inspected for signs of a localized reaction. Common manifestations include redness, mild swelling, itching, and the development of a small papule at the attachment point.

Reactions usually appear within the first 24 hours and may resolve spontaneously within a few days. Persistent erythema, increasing size, or the appearance of a central necrotic spot warrants closer attention.

Management of the bite site consists of the following actions:

Clean the skin with mild soap and water; avoid harsh antiseptics that may irritate the area.
Apply a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing if the skin is broken.
Use an over‑the‑counter topical corticosteroid or antihistamine cream to reduce itching and inflammation, following the product’s dosage instructions.
Observe the site twice daily for changes in size, color, or the development of a raised border.
Seek medical evaluation if the reaction expands, becomes painful, or is accompanied by fever, headache, or joint discomfort.

Documentation of the bite date, removal method, and any subsequent symptoms assists healthcare providers in assessing the risk of tick‑borne infections and determining whether systemic therapy is required.

Systemic Symptoms

After a tick is detached, monitor the patient for systemic manifestations that may indicate infection. Early identification of these signs guides timely intervention and reduces the risk of complications.

Typical systemic symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may also appear. Neurological complaints—tingling, numbness, facial weakness, or confusion—require immediate evaluation. Dermatologic findings beyond the bite site, such as a rash expanding from the attachment point or a target‑shaped lesion, suggest disseminated disease.

Management steps:

Record the date of removal and the estimated duration of attachment.
Advise the individual to seek medical assessment if any systemic symptom develops within 2–4 weeks.
Encourage healthcare providers to obtain a thorough history, including travel to endemic areas and previous tick exposures.
Recommend laboratory testing (e.g., serology, PCR) when clinical suspicion for tick‑borne illness is present.
Initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy promptly if a specific pathogen is identified or strongly suspected.

Documentation of the removal site, including photographs, assists clinicians in distinguishing local inflammation from systemic involvement. Prompt reporting of systemic signs ensures that treatment can be tailored to the likely pathogen, improving outcomes.

«Fever and Chills»

After a tick is detached, the emergence of fever and chills warrants immediate attention. These systemic signs may indicate the onset of a tick‑borne infection such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or anaplasmosis. Early recognition prevents progression to severe illness.

Recommended actions:

Record temperature and timing of symptom appearance.
Contact a healthcare professional without delay, providing details of the tick encounter and any emerging signs.
Follow medical advice regarding diagnostic testing, which may include serology or polymerase chain reaction assays.
Initiate prescribed antimicrobial therapy promptly if infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.

Continuous observation for additional manifestations—rash, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain—should accompany the monitoring of fever and chills. Documentation of all symptoms enhances diagnostic accuracy and guides appropriate treatment.

«Fatigue and Body Aches»

After a tick has been extracted, the emergence of «Fatigue and Body Aches» warrants immediate attention. These systemic signs may represent the earliest phase of a tick‑borne infection, most commonly Lyme disease, but also other pathogens such as Anaplasma or Babesia.

Persistent tiredness and generalized muscle discomfort often precede more specific manifestations, including rash, joint swelling, or neurological deficits. Their presence indicates that the pathogen may have begun to disseminate, and prompt therapeutic intervention reduces the risk of chronic complications.

Recommended actions include:

Preserve the detached tick for species identification and possible laboratory testing.
Record the date of removal and any subsequent symptoms, focusing on the onset of fatigue, muscle pain, fever, or headache.
Contact a healthcare professional within 24 hours of symptom appearance.
Undergo serologic or molecular testing as directed, recognizing that early infection may require repeat testing.
Initiate empiric antibiotic therapy if clinical evaluation supports a probable tick‑borne disease, following current guidelines for dosage and duration.
Maintain a symptom diary for at least three weeks to monitor progression or resolution.

Early detection and treatment of «Fatigue and Body Aches» after tick extraction significantly improve prognosis and prevent long‑term sequelae.

«Rash Development»

After a tick is detached, preserve the specimen for potential laboratory analysis. Place the arthropod in a sealed plastic bag, label with date and attachment site, and store at 4 °C or forward to a diagnostic service. This practice enables species identification and pathogen testing, which inform clinical decisions.

Monitor the skin where the tick was attached for any signs of erythema, papules, or expanding lesions. Typical manifestation appears within several days and may evolve into a target‑shaped discoloration. Document the appearance, size, and progression of the rash.

If a rash emerges, follow these steps:

Clean the area with mild soap and water.
Apply a topical antiseptic to reduce secondary infection.
Record the date of onset and any accompanying symptoms such as fever or headache.
Contact a healthcare professional for evaluation; antimicrobial therapy may be warranted based on regional pathogen prevalence.

Prompt documentation and appropriate specimen handling reduce diagnostic uncertainty and support timely treatment of «Rash Development» associated with tick exposure.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms

After a tick is detached, the appearance of new or intensifying signs warrants prompt medical evaluation. Persistent fever, expanding rash, severe headache, joint swelling, or neurological disturbances suggest possible infection and cannot be ignored.

Typical indicators include:

Fever exceeding 38 °C (100.4 °F) lasting more than 24 hours
Erythema migrans or other expanding skin lesions
Muscle or joint pain unrelieved by rest
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
Neurological symptoms such as facial palsy or confusion

When any of these manifestations arise, the following steps are recommended:

Contact a healthcare professional without delay.
Provide details of the tick encounter: date, location, estimated duration of attachment, and visual description of the tick.
Undergo diagnostic testing as advised, which may include serology for Lyme disease, PCR for tick‑borne viruses, or complete blood count.
Initiate prescribed antimicrobial therapy if indicated, adhering to the full course to prevent relapse.
Record all symptoms, treatments, and follow‑up appointments for future reference.

Documentation of the removal site, including photographs, supports accurate diagnosis. Continuous monitoring for at least 30 days after removal ensures early detection of delayed complications. Immediate consultation remains the safest course when symptoms persist or worsen.

Signs of Infection

After a tick is removed, the bite area requires observation for potential infection. Early detection prevents complications and guides timely intervention.

Typical indicators of infection include:

Redness extending beyond the immediate bite margin
Swelling that increases rather than subsides
Warmth localized to the site
Pain or tenderness that intensifies
Pus or other fluid discharge
Fever or chills accompanying the local symptoms

If any of these signs appear, seek professional medical evaluation promptly. Treatment may involve topical antiseptics, oral antibiotics, or wound care instructions. Maintaining a clean environment, applying a sterile dressing, and avoiding unnecessary manipulation of the area support recovery. Continuous monitoring for at least 48 hours is advisable; absence of adverse signs generally indicates uncomplicated healing.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

After a tick is detached, clean the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Observe the area for redness, swelling, or a rash during the following weeks.

Consult a healthcare professional promptly. Reasons include:

Identification of the tick species and assessment of disease transmission risk.
Evaluation of symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, or joint pain that may indicate infection.
Determination of need for prophylactic antibiotics or other treatment based on local disease prevalence.
Documentation of the incident for medical records and potential reporting to public‑health authorities.

Medical guidance ensures appropriate follow‑up, reduces the chance of complications, and provides accurate information on preventive measures.

Preventing Future Tick Bites

Personal Protective Measures

Wearing Appropriate Clothing

After a tick is removed, the skin surrounding the bite remains vulnerable. Selecting garments that shield the area reduces the chance of secondary irritation and discourages additional arthropod attachment.

Key attributes of protective attire include:

Long sleeves and full‑length trousers that cover exposed limbs.
High collars or neck gaiters that protect the neck and upper back.
Fabrics with a tight weave (e.g., denim, polyester blends) that prevent small organisms from penetrating.
Light‑colored material that makes any remaining tick remnants more visible during inspection.
Seamless or smooth seams that minimise skin abrasion around the bite site.

Wearing such clothing creates a physical barrier, limits direct contact with irritants, and facilitates prompt identification of any residual fragments. The combination of immediate wound care and appropriate dress code constitutes a comprehensive approach to post‑removal management.

Using Tick Repellents

After a tick has been detached, protecting the skin from further attachment is essential. Applying a repellent to the bite area reduces the risk of secondary feeding by any residual mouthparts and discourages nearby ticks from re‑infesting the site. Choose products containing DEET (10‑30 %), picaridin (20 %), IR3535, or permethrin (applied to clothing, not skin). Follow the label’s instructions regarding concentration, re‑application interval, and age restrictions.

Key considerations for repellent use post‑removal:

Apply a thin layer to the exposed skin surrounding the bite; avoid excessive coverage that may cause irritation.
Re‑apply according to the product’s duration of effectiveness, typically every 2‑4 hours for DEET‑based formulas.
Prefer formulations with proven efficacy against Ixodes species, the primary vectors of Lyme disease.
For children, select low‑concentration options and verify safety approvals.

Integrating a repellent into the immediate after‑care routine complements wound cleaning, minimizes infection risk, and forms part of a broader preventive strategy against future tick encounters.

Performing Regular Tick Checks

Regular tick inspections form a core element of post‑removal care. After a tick is extracted, the skin area and surrounding region must be examined repeatedly to confirm complete removal and to detect any subsequent attachment.

Inspections should occur immediately after removal, then at 24‑hour intervals for the next three days. This schedule captures delayed attachment of remaining mouthparts and early signs of infection.

Key actions during each check:

Visualize the bite site with adequate lighting.
Look for remnants of the tick’s head or legs embedded in the skin.
Observe for redness, swelling, or a bullseye rash.
Clean the area with mild antiseptic and apply a sterile bandage if irritation is present.
Record the date, time, and observations in a health log.

If any fragment of the tick remains or a rash develops, seek medical evaluation promptly. Documentation of findings assists health professionals in assessing the risk of tick‑borne diseases and determining appropriate treatment.

Yard and Pet Management

Landscaping to Deter Ticks

Effective landscaping reduces the likelihood of tick encounters after a bite has been removed. Selecting plant species that discourage host animals and creating physical barriers are primary strategies.

Plant low‑maintenance groundcovers such as thyme, rosemary, or clover to limit leaf litter and humid micro‑environments where ticks thrive.
Install a perimeter of wood chips or gravel at least three feet wide around lawns, patios, and play areas; the abrasive surface deters small mammals that transport ticks.
Incorporate native grasses with dense root systems, for example, fescue or bluebunch wheatgrass, to promote soil drainage and reduce moisture retention.
Maintain a clear border of at least two feet between wooded zones and recreational spaces; trim overgrown shrubs, remove leaf piles, and keep the lawn mowed regularly.
Use raised beds or concrete edging to separate gardens from adjacent forested edges, limiting the movement of deer and rodents.

Regular upkeep of these landscape elements, combined with periodic inspection of outdoor areas, minimizes tick habitat and lowers the risk of re‑infestation following removal.

Tick Control for Pets

After a tick is detached from a dog or cat, immediate care reduces infection risk and prevents disease transmission.

First, grasp the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure, avoiding twisting. Place the removed parasite in a sealed container for identification if a veterinary consultation is planned.

Second, cleanse the bite site. Apply a mild antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine, and pat dry with a sterile gauze. Observe the area for swelling, redness, or discharge over the next 24‑48 hours.

Third, document the event. Note the date of removal, the tick’s developmental stage, and any visible symptoms. Provide this information to the veterinarian during the next appointment.

Fourth, implement preventive measures. Use veterinarian‑approved tick collars, topical spot‑on treatments, or oral acaricides according to the animal’s weight and health status. Maintain regular grooming and inspect the coat after outdoor activities.

Finally, schedule a follow‑up examination if any of the following occur:

Persistent erythema or ulceration at the bite site
Lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever
Joint pain or limping

Prompt veterinary assessment ensures early detection of tick‑borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis. Consistent preventive protocols, combined with proper post‑removal care, protect pets from future infestations.

Professional Pest Control Services

Professional pest‑control operators handle tick extraction as part of an integrated management program. After a tick is removed, the service provider follows a defined protocol to minimize health risks and prevent re‑infestation.

Disinfect the bite site with an approved antiseptic.
Place the tick in a sealed, puncture‑resistant container.
Submit the specimen to a laboratory for species identification and pathogen testing, if required.
Dispose of the container according to local hazardous‑waste regulations.
Conduct a thorough inspection of the surrounding area, treating identified habitats with targeted acaricides.
Schedule a follow‑up visit to verify the effectiveness of the treatment and to educate occupants on preventive measures.

The advantage of employing licensed pest‑control services lies in the availability of trained technicians, access to EPA‑registered products, and compliance with safety standards. These factors ensure that post‑removal procedures are executed correctly, reducing the likelihood of disease transmission and future tick encounters.