Grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible—targeting the head/mouthparts, not the bloated body.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. No twisting, jerking, or squeezing.
Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.
Dispose safely: Flush the tick down the toilet or seal it in a plastic bag with a damp cotton ball (for potential identification if symptoms develop). Never crush it with your fingers.
Critical: If mouthparts remain embedded, leave them. Your body will expel them naturally. Digging deeper increases infection risk.
