Ticks are dangerous parasites that can be found in a variety of environments. They can transmit diseases or infections to both pets and people, so it is important to remove them as quickly as possible if they are found on your body. However, there are several things you should NOT do when removing a tick from your skin:
- DON’T use your fingers to remove the tick. This can cause the tick to regurgitate its contents into your bloodstream, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
- DON’T use petroleum jelly, a lit cigarette, or a match to try to remove the tick. These methods can actually cause the tick to burrow more deeply into your skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- DON’T try to remove a tick with tweezers if you cannot see its head. This can lead to the tick’s body breaking off in your skin, potentially leaving the head embedded and causing an infection or allergic reaction.
- DON’T squeeze the tick’s body directly. While this may seem like a quick way to remove the whole tick, it can actually cause the head to break off and become embedded in your skin, increasing your risk of infection.
- DON’T wait too long to remove a tick if you find one on your body. The longer the tick is attached, the higher your risk of disease transmission. Instead, remove a tick as soon as possible and clean the area with soap and warm water to minimize the risk of infection.
If you find a tick on your body, it is important to remove it properly and as quickly as possible. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with slow, steady pressure. Once the tick is removed, clean the area with soap and warm water, and monitor your skin for signs of infection or allergic reaction. If you experience any symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible to get checked out.
Our Vancouver area pest control experts can help you keep your home and family tick-free all summer long! Contact us today at (360) 506-6071.
