Among the many nasty little critters that outdoor enthusiasts may encounter is the tick, a tiny parasitic insect that feeds off an animal's fresh blood supply. A tick bites a host animal, then burrows its head under the skin. While the bite isn't painful and can go relatively unnoticed by the host organism, the tick can contain harmful bacteria that can cause subsequent maladies. Proper removal of the tick is key in preventing the release of this bacteria.
Things You'll Need
- Insect Repellent (optional)
- Magnifying Glass (optional)
- Cotton Swabs
Locate the tick on the skin and note if its head is completely buried under the skin or is still visible on the surface. Use the magnifying glass if necessary. If the head is buried, use cotton swabs to apply insect repellent directly to the body of the insect. Wait 15 minutes, as the repellent will cause the tick eventually to release its bite. Proceed to the next step.
Use the tweezers to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible. Again, use the magnifying glass if needed. Once you have gained a grip, slowly and firmly pull on the tweezers to detach the tick from the skin. Do not twist. If you're not using tweezers, use a thin cloth or toilet paper to pull on the tick to prevent contact with bacteria.
Dispose of the insect. Check the bite site to ensure that no portion of the tick's body remains. If anything does remain, gently scrape it away, then use the antiseptic to clean the site.
Tips & Warnings
- Do not use fire, gas, petroleum jellies, or other flammable chemicals to induce the tick to release its bite. In addition to being possibly dangerous to the skin, these agents cause the tick to release its digested content back into the wound and increase the likelihood of infection.
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