A tick has attached but hasn’t fed, what should be done? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly using fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward without twisting; then disinfect the bite site and observe for any rash or fever over the next weeks. If symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation for possible tick‑borne infection.
A tick has attached but hasn’t fed, what should be done? - in detail
When a tick has latched onto the skin but has not yet engorged, immediate removal is the priority. Grasp the tick as close to the epidermis as possible with fine‑point tweezers, avoiding compression of the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After extraction, place the specimen in a sealed container for identification if disease risk assessment is needed, then discard it safely.
Clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol. Wash hands thoroughly. Observe the area for several days; a small red papule is typical, but enlarging erythema, a target‑shaped rash, or flu‑like symptoms may indicate infection. If any of these signs appear, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Document the date of attachment and removal. Most pathogens require a minimum feeding period—often 24–48 hours—so a non‑engorged tick poses a lower transmission risk, yet some agents can be transmitted sooner. Therefore, inform a healthcare professional of the exposure timeline and tick species, if known.
Prevent future incidents by using EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing. Wear long sleeves and pants, tuck shirts into trousers, and treat outdoor gear with permethrin. Perform regular body checks after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas, and promptly remove any attached arthropods.