How to remove a tick from clothing? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑point tweezers or a pin, pull it out in a steady, straight motion, and immediately wash the fabric in hot water with detergent. Afterwards, disinfect the area where the tick was attached and inspect the garment for any remnants.
How to remove a tick from clothing? - in detail
Removing a tick that has become embedded in fabric requires prompt, careful action to avoid damaging the material and to prevent the insect from escaping. Follow the procedure below:
- Identify the location. Use a magnifying glass if the tick is small or hidden in a seam.
- Gather tools: a pair of fine‑point tweezers, a needle‑point pin or safety pin, a clean cloth, and a small container with a lid.
- Secure the garment on a flat surface to keep it stable.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin‑contact side of the fabric as possible. The goal is to hold the body, not the legs, to prevent the mouthparts from breaking off.
- Apply steady, upward pressure with the tweezers, pulling straight out. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can fragment the tick.
- If the tick is lodged in a tight weave, insert the needle‑point pin beside it to create a small opening, then repeat the pulling motion.
- Place the detached insect into the sealed container. For future reference, you may preserve it in alcohol or dispose of it by flushing.
- Inspect the surrounding area for any remaining fragments. Use the magnifying glass and a lint roller to capture small pieces.
- Clean the affected spot: dampen the cloth with mild detergent solution, blot the area, then rinse with clean water. Pat dry with a towel.
- If the fabric is delicate (silk, wool, or a finished surface), test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to avoid discoloration.
Additional precautions: treat clothing with a permethrin‑based spray before outdoor activities in tick‑infested regions; wash garments in hot water (≥ 60 °C) after exposure; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. These steps reduce the likelihood of ticks attaching to fabric and simplify removal if contact occurs.