Removal · field guidance

Removing a tiny nymph (poppy-seed-sized) tick

Nymphal Ixodes are about 1-2 mm and easy to mistake for a freckle or scab; use magnification and the finest-point tweezers you own.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo

01
Light the area with a bright, raking light and use a 5-10x loupe or phone macro lens.
02
If the bump has tiny legs, it's a tick — confirm before grasping.
03
Use needle-point tweezers; flat tips will not grip something this small.
04
Slide the tips along the skin and pinch right at the bite, then lift straight up slowly.
05
Place the nymph on clear tape against a white card so you can photograph it for ID.
06
Mark and photograph the bite site; nymphal Ixodes scapularis are the main Lyme vectors.

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