I have a tick, what should I do? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, then clean the bite site with antiseptic and watch for signs of infection such as rash or fever for several weeks. If symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation promptly.
I have a tick, what should I do? - in detail
If a tick is attached to your skin, act promptly to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
First, gather the necessary tools: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, gloves, antiseptic, and a sealed container for the specimen. Clean your hands and wear gloves to avoid direct contact.
Remove the parasite using these steps:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, holding the mouthparts rather than the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist, jerk, or crush the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
- After extraction, place the tick in a sealed bag or tube. If identification or testing is needed, keep it refrigerated (not frozen) and label with the date and location of the bite.
- Disinfect the bite area and your hands with an appropriate antiseptic.
- Store the removed tick for at least two weeks if you decide to have it tested for pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) or Anaplasma spp.
Monitor the bite site and your health for the next several weeks. Look for:
- Redness or a expanding rash, especially a target‑shaped lesion.
- Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint aches.
- Flu‑like symptoms without an obvious cause.
If any of these signs appear, contact a healthcare professional promptly. Provide the tick’s preservation details, as this can help guide diagnostic testing and treatment decisions.
Prevent future encounters by:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.
- Tucking clothing into socks or boots.
- Using EPA‑registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing.
- Conducting thorough body checks after outdoor activities, focusing on hidden areas such as the scalp, behind ears, underarms, and groin.
Prompt removal, proper disposal, and vigilant observation are essential components of effective tick‑bite management.