Removal · field guidance

Hyper-engorged tick (about to drop) — still tweeze, do not crush

A grape-shaped tick is full and may detach on its own, but you still want it grasped at the mouthparts and pulled, never squeezed off the body.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo

01
Resist the urge to squeeze the abdomen — it will rupture and spray engorged blood, which is messy but not contagious through intact skin.
02
Slide fine-tipped tweezers along the skin to the head, behind the ballooned body.
03
Close gently on the capitulum and lift slowly; the tick may release in 5-10 seconds because it was ready to drop.
04
If it drops on its own during the attempt, capture it on tape — it is still ID-worthy.
05
Save the tick if testing is being considered, then clean the bite thoroughly.

loading…