Removal · field guidance

Fine-tipped tweezers (CDC method)

The CDC's primary recommendation: grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up with steady, even pressure.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo

01
Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers (not blunt eyebrow tweezers).
02
Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible, around the mouthparts.
03
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk.
04
If mouthparts break off, try to remove them with the tweezers; if you can't, leave them and let the skin heal.
05
Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
06
Dispose of the live tick by flushing it, sealing it in tape, or placing it in alcohol. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

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