How to properly collect ticks? - briefly
Use fine-tipped forceps or tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling straight upward with steady pressure until the mouthparts detach; avoid squeezing the body. Place the specimen in a labeled, sealable container with ethanol or a moist cotton ball for preservation and transport.
How to properly collect ticks? - in detail
Collecting ticks requires a systematic approach to ensure sample integrity, researcher safety, and reliable data. Follow these steps:
- Wear disposable nitrile gloves and long‑sleeved clothing; secure cuffs with elastic bands to prevent ticks from crawling underneath.
- Choose a collection site based on habitat suitability (e.g., tall grass, leaf litter, wooded edges). Mark the area with GPS coordinates for later reference.
- Use a white flannel cloth or a fine‑mesh flag (approximately 1 m × 1 m). Drag the cloth over vegetation, sweeping gently to dislodge questing ticks. Inspect the cloth every 10–15 m and transfer any attached specimens to a collection vial.
- For host‑attached ticks, employ a fine‑tipped forceps. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and place the specimen directly into a labeled tube.
- Preserve each tick in 70 % ethanol or RNAlater, depending on downstream analysis. Label tubes with collection date, location, collector’s initials, and life stage.
- Record environmental variables (temperature, humidity, vegetation type) in a field log. Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer for accurate measurements.
- Transport samples in a cooler with ice packs to maintain consistent temperature. Avoid freezing unless required for specific molecular protocols.
- In the laboratory, sort specimens under a stereomicroscope. Confirm species identification using morphological keys or molecular barcoding; separate by developmental stage (larva, nymph, adult) for separate analyses.
- Dispose of gloves and used cloths in biohazard bags. Decontaminate tools with 10 % bleach solution followed by sterile water rinse.
Adhering to this protocol minimizes contamination, protects personnel, and yields high‑quality tick specimens for ecological or epidemiological research.