Diagram 22: Tweeze tick mouthparts and head close to the skin.Diagram 23: Slowly lift tick upward until the tick lets go from skin.
Step 1
Wear gloves if possible. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to
grasp the tick’s head and mouthparts close to the skin.
(Diagram 22) Another method is to use thread or dental floss,
wrap it low around the tick’s head and mouth parts, and pull the
thread or dental floss ends upward.
Step 2
Slowly lift the tick straight up until the skin is slightly lifted.
Continue a steady, slow pull upwards and the tick may let go from
your skin. (Diagram 23) Do not twist or rock the tick side to side,
as the mouthparts may break off in the skin. If this does happen,
remove the mouthparts with tweezers, if easily done. Otherwise let
the skin heal around the remaining parts or see your doctor.
Step 3
Wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water.
Step 4
Get rid of the tick without touching it or save the tick in a sealed plastic bag.
Step 5
Call your doctor if you are worried about possible illness or
recall a tick bite and develop illness and a rash.
