As summer temperatures rise, so do the chances of encountering ticks across much of the United States. These tiny parasites, often no larger than a poppy seed, lurk in tall grass and wooded areas, waiting for an unsuspecting human or animal to brush past so they can latch on and feed. With tick populations on the rise due to warming climates, public health experts are urging Americans to take extra precautions.
“Most people who get bitten by a tick won’t get sick,” says Michel Shamoon-Pour, a molecular anthropologist at Binghamton University’s Tick-borne Disease Center. “But for the small percentage who do, the consequences can be serious.” Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis are among the infections transmitted by ticks.
The best way to avoid tick-borne illness, experts agree, is to avoid getting bitten in the first place—and if a tick is found, to remove it properly and quickly.
Do: Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers
The most effective method for removing a tick is using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Shamoon-Pour stresses the importance of grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible—right at the mouthparts. Avoid grabbing the tick’s body, as squeezing it can release potentially infectious fluids into the skin.
Don’t: Use Fingers or Folk Remedies
Using your fingers or wide-tipped tweezers is a common mistake. So is attempting to burn off the tick or smother it with petroleum jelly or nail polish. “None of these methods work, and they can actually increase your risk of infection,” Shamoon-Pour warns.
Do: Leave Broken Parts Alone
If a tick’s mouth or legs break off and stay in the skin, don’t dig around trying to remove them. “It’s not ideal, but your body will usually push them out naturally in a few days,” he says.
Don’t: Crush the Tick
Once removed, ticks should be either flushed down the toilet, submerged in alcohol, or sealed in tape and disposed of in the trash. Crushing a tick can expose you to its internal fluids, increasing the risk of infection.
Do: Preserve the Tick—If You’re Worried
If you’re concerned about illness, you can store the tick in a sealed container with rubbing alcohol and keep it in the freezer. “It can be helpful for visual identification if symptoms appear later,” says Lee Ann Sporn, a biology professor at Paul Smith’s College. She also advises taking a photo of the tick and the bite site for medical reference.
As tick season peaks, experts emphasize that awareness and swift action are your best defense. “The closer you are to zero contact,” says Shamoon-Pour, “the safer you’ll be.”
