There is a tick on a pear, what to do? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near its head and pull upward with steady pressure, then wash the fruit with water and disinfect the tweezers.
There is a tick on a pear, what to do? - in detail
A tick found on a pear requires immediate, careful action to prevent contamination and preserve the fruit’s quality.
First, isolate the affected pear from other produce. Place it on a clean surface, such as a cutting board covered with parchment paper, to avoid spreading any potential pathogens.
Next, remove the tick:
- Use tweezers with fine tips. Grip the tick as close to the surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body.
- If the tick is embedded in the skin, gently scrape the area with a clean, sharp knife to detach it without tearing the flesh.
After removal, clean the bite site:
- Rinse the area under running water for at least 15 seconds.
- Apply a mild food‑grade sanitizer, such as a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (1 % concentration) or a commercial fruit wash, and let it sit for 30 seconds.
- Pat the surface dry with a sterile cloth or paper towel.
Inspect the fruit thoroughly:
- Look for additional ticks, eggs, or any signs of damage.
- Discard any portions that show discoloration, soft spots, or signs of microbial growth.
If the pear will be consumed raw, consider peeling the skin around the removal site, as the outer layer may harbor residual microorganisms. For cooked preparations, ensure the fruit reaches a temperature of at least 74 °C (165 °F) throughout, which destroys most pathogens.
To reduce future incidents:
- Store pears in a sealed container or refrigerator, away from outdoor environments where ticks are active.
- Inspect all incoming fruit before storage, especially during spring and summer when tick activity peaks.
- Maintain a clean storage area, removing debris and regularly vacuuming to eliminate tick habitats.
Following these steps eliminates the immediate risk and helps maintain the safety and quality of the fruit.