How to Remove Ticks Safely
Rid Dogs and Humans of Ticks by Using Tweezers and Pulling Firmly
Nov 3, 2008
Paths and tracks used by wild animals often expose humans and their pets to ticks.
Why remove ticks
Ticks have the nasty habit of carrying diseases (e.g. Lyme Disease). When they suck blood from a host they can also take in viruses, and these will be regurgitated into the bloodstream of their next host when they spit out some of their saliva to help them withdraw their mouthparts.
How to Remove Ticks Safely from a Human Being
When the tick first attaches and begins feeding, blood is being sucked into its gut from the host – this is the time to remove it. The tick should be pulled out using tweezers, which are fine enough to grab the head, close, to the skin. Once grabbed firmly the tick should be removed slowly – with a straight pull – since jerking, squeezing or twisting will increase the chance of regurgitation, and thus of infection. (There is an exception to this 'no twisting' rule - when using a specialist tick removal tool such as the 'Tick Twister'). For the same reason it is not a good idea to burn ticks or to use chemicals for their removal, although disinfectant can be applied to the skin after removal of the tick. In order to further avoid infection risk it is advisable to use disposable gloves, and/or wash your hands carefully before and after the operation. Tweezers should also be disinfected, and the tick must be disposed of carefully. (Watch a YouTube video showing safe tick removal.)
How to Avoid Tick Bites
A much better plan is to avoid being bitten by ticks in the first place:
- Wear boots and tuck trousers into socks;
- Tuck shirt into trousers;
- Walk along the middle of paths (ticks will be on the vegetation beside the path);
- Wear light clothing to make ticks easier to see (and a light coloured blanket if picnicking).
How Ticks Find Their Host
Ticks are very sensitive to carbon dioxide, and are able to follow gradients to reach the source – an animal breathing out! They are also able to detect body heat, so they can easily locate warm-blooded animals. Many species are not too fussy about which sort of host animal they feed off, so they can go transmit diseases from one species to another.
How to Remove Ticks from Pets
Dogs can easily pick up ticks. Their fur makes the ticks difficult to see, and close inspection is recommended after a walk in the countryside. After carefully parting the hair to expose the tick the tweezers should be applied in the same way as for humans, and again pulling gently but firmly. Try to avoid pulling out too many hairs! (The same precautions should be taken as when removing ticks from a human.)
Dogs (and cats) with free access to the outside should not be allowed on furniture, especially beds – at least until after they have been thoroughly ‘de-ticked’.
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