5 Things to Know About Removing a Tick

Use fine-tipped tweezers Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible, right at the mouthparts. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.

Do not twist or jerk Twisting or jerking can break off the tick’s mouthparts. If that happens, remove them like a splinter.

Avoid folk remedies Matches, petroleum jelly, nail polish, and freezing do not work. They only make things worse and delay removal.

Clean the bite afterward Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to clean the area. This reduces infection risk.

Remove ticks quickly Lyme disease transmission ramps up after 24 to 36 hours of attachment. Check armpits, groin, scalp, and behind knees after hiking in tall grass or woods.