What should you do when you find a tick? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Observe the area for several weeks and consult a healthcare professional if a rash or flu‑like symptoms develop.
What should you do when you find a tick? - in detail
When a tick is discovered attached to the skin, immediate removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. Use fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal device. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, apply steady, downward pressure, and pull straight out without twisting. Avoid crushing the body, which could release infectious material.
After extraction, clean the bite area with an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol. Place the removed tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton swab; preserve for possible laboratory identification if illness develops. Record the date of removal and the estimated duration of attachment.
Observe the bite site and overall health for the next 2–4 weeks. Watch for rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain. Any of these symptoms, especially when appearing within three weeks of removal, warrant prompt medical evaluation.
Seek professional care if the tick is identified as a species known to transmit disease, if the attachment lasted longer than 24 hours, or if symptoms develop. Health providers may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics or conduct serological tests based on regional disease prevalence.
Prevent future encounters by wearing long sleeves and trousers, treating clothing with permethrin, applying EPA‑approved repellents to exposed skin, and performing full‑body tick checks after outdoor activities. Regularly inspect pets and bedding, and keep lawns trimmed to reduce tick habitats.