Removal · field guidance

Disposing of a removed tick (tape, alcohol, flush)

Never crush a tick with your fingers; seal it in tape, drop it in alcohol, or flush it down the toilet.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo

01
Do not crush the tick between your fingers — fluids may carry pathogens onto broken skin.
02
Best for ID later: drop the tick into a small zip bag or vial with a strip of damp paper towel and label with date and bite location.
03
Quick disposal at home: put the tick in a small jar of rubbing alcohol; it will die within minutes.
04
No alcohol on hand: fold the tick into a loop of clear packing tape, press flat, and trash it.
05
Last resort: flush it down the toilet — adequate, but you cannot retrieve it for testing.

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