Removal · field guidance
Removing an engorged adult tick
A blood-filled adult is fragile; grip behind the swollen body at the mouthparts and pull slowly to avoid bursting it into the wound.
Steps
schema.org/HowTo01
Do not squeeze the swollen abdomen — pressure can regurgitate stomach contents into the bite.
02
Slide fine-tipped tweezers along the skin until they touch the mouthparts behind the engorged body.
03
Close gently on the capitulum (head), not the abdomen.
04
Lift straight up with slow, steady pressure for 10-30 seconds until the tick releases.
05
If the body separates from the head, follow the broken-mouthparts protocol.
06
Save the tick if symptoms could develop, and clean the bite thoroughly.
Diseases this can help prevent
1 known