What should you do with a captured tick? - briefly
Place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or vial containing a small amount of alcohol, label it, and keep it refrigerated until it can be identified or tested. If testing is unnecessary, kill the specimen with alcohol and dispose of the sealed container in the trash.
What should you do with a captured tick? - in detail
When a tick is removed from a host, immediate and systematic handling reduces the risk of disease transmission and preserves the specimen for identification.
First, place the live tick in a clean, sealable container such as a small plastic vial with a tight‑fitting lid. Add a damp piece of cotton or a few drops of sterile water to keep the arthropod alive if identification is required. Label the container with the date, location of collection, and the host from which it was taken.
Next, decide whether the tick needs to be sent to a laboratory. If the bite occurred in an area where tick‑borne illnesses are common, or if the host shows symptoms, forward the specimen to a public health or veterinary diagnostic service. Include a brief history of exposure and any relevant clinical information.
If laboratory analysis is unnecessary, dispose of the tick safely. Submerge it in a container of 70 % isopropyl alcohol for at least five minutes, then place the alcohol‑filled vial in a sealed trash bag. This method kills the tick and prevents accidental release.
Finally, implement preventive measures to avoid future encounters. Conduct regular body checks after outdoor activities, use EPA‑registered repellents on skin and clothing, and maintain low vegetation around residential areas.
Summary of actions