What should I do if a tick has started biting? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. Clean the bite site with antiseptic, monitor for rash or fever, and consult a healthcare professional if any symptoms develop.
What should I do if a tick has started biting? - in detail
If a tick attaches and begins feeding, act promptly. Grasp the parasite with fine‑tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible, then pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can force mouthparts deeper and increase the risk of pathogen transmission.
After removal, wash the bite site and your hands with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol. Place the detached tick in a sealed container with a small amount of alcohol or a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol; this preserves the specimen for possible identification by a health professional.
Record the date and location of the bite. Monitor the area for a red expanding rash, especially a target‑shaped lesion, and watch for fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain. Symptoms may appear days to weeks after exposure.
Seek medical care if any of the following occur: inability to remove the tick completely, bite on the face, scalp, or genitals, presence of a rash, or development of systemic symptoms. Individuals who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have a history of tick‑borne illness should consult a clinician even in the absence of symptoms. A physician may prescribe a short course of doxycycline within 72 hours of removal as prophylaxis against Lyme disease when the tick species and local infection rates warrant it.
Follow up with laboratory testing if recommended by a health professional, particularly for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or babesiosis. Repeat testing may be necessary several weeks after the bite to confirm or exclude infection.
To reduce future risk, use EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes when traversing wooded or grassy areas, and tuck clothing into socks. Perform a thorough body check, including hidden areas such as the scalp, groin, and underarms, immediately after outdoor activity; remove any attached ticks promptly following the steps above.