Drawing showing tick removal using tweezers for subsequent tick testing.

How to Safely Remove a Tick

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

2. Pull the tick upward with steady, even pressure. Twisting or jerking the skin can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin.​

3. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

Drawing showing tick removal using tweezers for subsequent tick testing

Removing tick with tweezers.

Image courtesy of CDC.

DO NOT try to burn the tick off or squeeze the tick. Doing so can result in injury, and can cause the tick to expel its contents and increase risk of disease transmission.

DO NOT try to burn the tick off or squeeze the tick. Please do not use tape, antibiotic ointment, alcohol or Vaseline to remove the tick. Please do not freeze the tick. Doing so can cause the tick to expel its contents and increase risk of disease transmission, or damage the sample.

DO monitor the affected area for signs of infection or rashes. If tenderness or pain develops, seek medical attention immediately. You can also order a tick test with NJ Labs.