Tick Removal Guide
How to Remove a Tick Safely
Use the right tools and a steady pull. Follow these simple steps to remove the whole tick.
What You Will Need
Gather these simple items before you start.
Fine-tipped tweezers
The safest tool for tick removal. Avoid thick tweezers because they can crush the tick.
Rubbing alcohol
To clean the bite area before and after removal.
Soap and water
To wash your hands and the bite area well.
A sealed bag or small jar
To save the tick in case your doctor needs to see it.
Once you have these items, follow the removal steps below.
Safe Removal
Step-by-Step Tick Removal
Follow each step in order. Do not skip any.
Grip the tick close to the skin
Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to your skin surface as you can. Try to grab the head, not the body.
Pull up slowly and steadily
Pull upward with slow, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk. Pulling straight out removes the whole tick.
Clean the area right away
Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water on the bite area and your hands. Do not skip this step.
Save the tick
Put it in a sealed bag or a jar with alcohol. Write the date on the bag. Your doctor may want to see it.
Watch for symptoms
Check the bite area and how you feel every day for 30 days. Call a doctor if a rash or fever appears.
What NOT to Do
These common mistakes can make things worse.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Do NOT use petroleum jelly or nail polish — this can make the tick vomit into the bite
- Do NOT burn the tick with a match or lighter
- Do NOT squeeze or crush the tick body
- Do NOT use your bare hands
- Do NOT twist or spin the tweezers
- Do NOT ignore the bite — always watch for symptoms
After Removal
Know What to Watch For Next
After you remove the tick, keep an eye on the bite and how you feel. Learn the symptoms to watch for, or get help identifying the tick.
Health Signs
Watch For Symptoms
Learn which symptoms may appear after a tick bite and when to call a doctor.
Tick Identification
Identify the Tick
Use our guide to compare common ticks found in North Carolina.