How to remove a tick

You already know that tick bites expose you to disease. Did you know that the longer the tick is on you, the greater your chance of exposure? That is why it is so important to remove ticks as soon as you find them on you. However, removing a tick wrong can be more dangerous than leaving it on you. If you do not do it right, you risk leaving the tick’s head attached, which can lead to irritation and infection.

While you want to remove the tick, you do not have to worry too much about Lyme Disease. While ticks can carry Lyme Disease, so far we do not have Lyme Disease in Australia. However, people have exhibited some symptoms similar to Lyme Disease. So, it is still important to remove ticks as soon as possible.

There are plenty of old wives’ tales about how to remove a tick. However, we have found that the best way uses a little modern science. Find a spray with ether in it. Products like Wart-Off Freeze, Aerostart, or Elastoplast Cold Spray are all good examples. Spray the tick liberally with the ether. It will die in about five minutes. That makes it easier to remove the tick. Then, you want to use fine-tipped forceps to remove the tick. Use forceps instead of tweezers. Tweezers are too blunt, and using them will squeeze more saliva into the bite. Once you remove the tick, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water.

If the person is experiencing any type of allergic reaction, you should contact a doctor immediately. In people with allergies, a tick bite can cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires emergency attention. You should also refrain from attempts to remove it if someone is having any type of allergic reaction because the more you move the tick, the more saliva the tick will release. That is why immediate medical attention is critical.

Of course, you always want to avoid tick bites when possible. At Flick, we can help you keep ticks out of your home and yard. We have treatment programs that kill ticks that are in your yard and repel ticks that may want to get in your yard. We can also give you tips about how to keep your pets free from ticks and how to protect yourself if you head out hiking or going outdoors.