Tick Removal

Removal Tips:

If you find a tick on your body and/or attached to your skin, it is important to follow the following steps to properly remove and dispose of the tick.

    1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can. 
    2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick. 
    3. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. 
    4. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet. If you would like to bring the tick to your healthcare provider for identification, put it in rubbing alcohol or place it in a sealed bag/container. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

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Consider calling your healthcare provider

In general, CDC does not recommend taking antibiotics after tick bites to prevent tickborne diseases. However, in certain circumstances, a single dose of doxycycline after a tick bite may lower your risk of Lyme disease. Consider talking to your healthcare provider if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common. 

Watch for symptoms for 30 days

Call your health care provider if you begin to experience symptoms related to tick-borne illness including: 

  • Rash  
  • Fever 
  • Fatigue
  •  Headache 
  •  Muscle pain 
  •  Joint swelling and pain

Learn more about tickborne diseases and symptoms here.