01
DO NOT pinch, crush, or pop a tick that is still attached to skin.
02
The tick's gut and salivary glands are where pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi live. Squeezing the body acts like a syringe, injecting those pathogens into the bite.
03
Even once removed, do not crush the tick with bare fingers; pathogens can transfer through cuts in the skin.
04
Instead, grasp the tick by the head, as close to the skin as possible, with fine-tipped tweezers.
05
Pull straight up with steady pressure, then dispose of the tick by flushing, sealing in tape, or placing in alcohol.