Removal · field guidance

Twisting and yanking the tick out

Sudden jerks and twists are likely to leave mouthparts embedded and squeeze pathogens out of the tick into the bite.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo
  1. 01
    DO NOT yank, jerk, or twist when removing a tick.
  2. 02
    The mouthparts are anchored with cement-like saliva. A sudden pull tears the body off the head, leaves the head embedded, and may squeeze pathogen-rich gut contents into the wound.
  3. 03
    Slow, even pressure is what works; the tick will release after a few seconds of consistent traction.
  4. 04
    Grasp with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible, then pull straight up.
  5. 05
    Do not stop and start; one continuous motion is best.

Wild facts

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