Tick Removal

Tick Removal Methods

This page will help guide you to remove a tick correctly and outlines 2 methods depending on the situation with the person bitten having or not having anaphylaxis

Seek medical attention:

URGENTLY if the person is having any kind of paralysis or anaphylaxis.
As soon as possible if the tick has been attached to the skin for more than 24 hours.
If any symptoms develop such as fever, headache, tiredness, stiffness, joint aches within a few days of a suspected or known bite.
If a rash develops between 3 and 21 days depending on the type of infection.

Phone 000 if you are having an anaphylactic, severe allergy or tick paralysis. If you have access to an EpiPen seek medical advice on how or if to apply this

This is a range of tick removal and first aid products you will need, outlined here

FIRST RULE IS DO NOT PANIC.

YOU HAVE TIME TO REMOVE A TICK. THE REMOVAL METHOD IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOW FAST YOU REMOVE THE TICK.

DO NOT flick, pick, squeeze, squash or burn the tick.

DO NOT apply methylated spirits, petroleum jelly, alcohol, creams,* essential oils etc on the tick.

Doing this MIGHT “shock” the tick and it may regurgitate it’s stomach contents into the person and pass on a microbial infection.

*Unless this is special Lysol (scabies) cream used only for tiny poppy seed larva or nymph ticks.

OVERVIEW OF THE 2 SUGGESTED METHODS OF TICK REMOVAL

There are 2 general suggested tick removal methods that are standard and evidence-based.

One method is dependent on whether the person is having an allergic or anaphylactic reaction and so the freeze method is suggested first.

For most people, if they are not having any initial serious reaction, removal with fine-point tweezers is recommended.

The most common method of tick removal, recognised worldwide is with fine-point tweezers. # see other tick removal products.

However, Murdoch University Western Australia is advocating a newer method using a freeze or ice spray for those that suffer from an anaphylactic, severe allergy or tick paralysis reaction to the tick bite. One study shows this freeze spray method may help reduce these reactions.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) advises that it is important that ticks are not forcibly removed or touched, as by disturbing a tick, more allergen-containing saliva can be injected.

This is particularly important for reducing potential allergy reactions to ticks as it is the tick’s saliva that may be causing the allergic reaction.

According to the ASCIA and their published case study, they show that the safest way to remove a tick is to:

Freeze the tick, using a product that rapidly freezes and kills the tick, and allow it to drop off;

OR leave the tick in place and seek URGENT medical assistance to remove the tick.

The methods that are outlined on the Ticna website, Tick Tracker Australia App or Pandis should be effective in the following situations outlined. www.pandis.org

Removal is however dependent on what you have access to and the type of tick and potential bite reaction as to which method you use.

Prior to removal for both methods, Ticna Inc is recommending to take a photograph of the embedded tick before removal. Then after removal and attendance to the bite, to upload this image along with details into the Australian Ticktracker App.

We recommend you download the Tick Tracker Australia App (free) so that you can map where you were bitten and add to the citizen science database of tick bites in Australia to aid research.

Please select from the method options outlined below.

REMOVAL METHOD OPTION 1: FINE-POINT TWEEZERS

This method is recommended when there are NO strong allergic or anaphylactic reactions to the tick bite.

Note: See option 2 (Freeze method) below if a person is having or may expect to have an allergic reaction.

A different method is outlined to remove the tiny nymph ticks, which are the size of a poppy seed. (see below)

To begin the tick removal process, you will require FINE-POINT tweezers or specifically developed tick tweezers.

Do NOT use flat or dull tipped tweezers as they may squash the tick and this may spurt the contents of the tick’s gut and any potential infections into the person.

This fine-point tweezer removal method is advocated by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several other credible organisations worldwide.

HOW TO REMOVE A TICK

Always check for ticks EVERYWHERE on a person’s body, being aware a tick can be the size of a poppy seed and may look just like a tiny freckle on a person.

When the tick is attached to a sensitive, private, or hard to reach part of the body, or on very small children and you are not able to remove this yourself, seek further medical help to remove.

Locate
Find the tick on the person’s body. Check if it is safe to use fine tweezers. Seek medical attention if the tick is attached to a sensitive, private or hard to reach part of the body especially if you are alone and cannot detach yourself. If you have a close partner they may be able to help find and remove the tick safely.
Photograph
Take a photograph of the tick/s embedded in your skin before you safely removed the tick. If you or a partner have not been able to do this and you have sought medical advice please ask them to photograph the embedded tick/s before removal.Only upload the photo to Tick Tracker Australia AFTER the tick has been removed and you have completed first aid to the bite. This photograph is an important process to validate the tick data and provide evidence of proof of a tick bite not just for Tick Tracker Australia but also for any post-bite medical care you may need. see photo instruction help
Tweezers
Pick up the fine-tipped tweezers or specially developed tick tweezers. If you have another tick removal product that acts like tweezers to lever a tick out, follow their instructions for removal. # see other tick removal products.
Grasp
Using the tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible between the tick mouthpiece (ticks do not have a head) and the skin. Take care NOT to squeeze the tick body as this can cause pathogens to release from the tick into the person.
Remove
To remove the tick, slowly and carefully pull in an upward motion. Continue to pull upward and straight out in one movement until the tick detaches from the body and it “pops” out. It is important not to twist or squeeze the tick when removing it with tweezers as this can cause the mouthpiece to break off and remain in the skin.
Check
Once the tick has been removed from the skin, check for remaining pieces. If this happens, use the tweezers to remove the remaining pieces. If you are unable to remove the mouthpiece easily, seek further medical advice.
Clean
Once the tick is removed from the skin and all pieces removed, clean the area with soapy water.
Antiseptic
Apply antiseptic (iodine, alcohol or oxygen peroxide) to the bite area and continue regularly. If itchy you may also apply an antihistamine cream.
Save
We recommend always saving the tick in a small clean container or plastic bag for possible later testing or for showing a medical practitioner.
Rash
If any rash develops it is best to photograph the rash to show your practitioner.
To determine if this rash widens, circle the rash with a pen to check later if the rash size has grown.
Seek
Get further medical attention:
a. URGENTLY There is some kind of paralysis or anaphylaxis during this removal process.
b. As soon as possible if the tick has been attached to the skin for more than 24 hours.
c. If any symptoms develop such as fever, headache, tiredness, stiffness, joint aches within a few days of a suspected or known bite.
d. If a rash develops between 3 and 21 days depending on the type of infection.

Phone 000 if you are having an anaphylactic, severe allergy or tick paralysis. If you have access to an EpiPen seek medical advice on how or if to apply this.

REMOVAL METHOD OPTION 2: FREEZE/ICE SPRAYS

This method is best used if:

The person bitten is or may suffer from an allergic reaction.
The tick is in a suitable position on the body to apply the spray.

To begin the tick removal process, you will require an ice/freeze spray such as Tick Tox, Elastoplast Cold Spray or pharmacy equivalent. # see other tick removal products.

Always check for ticks EVERYWHERE on a person’s body, being aware a tick can be the size of a poppy seed and may look just like a tiny freckle on a person.

When the tick is attached to a sensitive, private, or hard to reach part of the body, or on very small children and you are not able to remove this yourself, seek further medical help to remove.

Locate
Find the tick on the person’s affected body. Check if it is safe to use this ice freeze method for where the tick is located. Seek medical attention if the tick is attached to a sensitive, private or hard to reach part of the body especially if you are alone and cannot apply this spray yourself. If you have a close partner they may be able to help find and remove the tick safely.
Photograph
Take a photograph of the tick/s embedded in your skin before you safely removed the tick. If you or a partner have not been able to do this and you have sought medical advice please ask them to photograph the embedded tick/s before removal.Only upload the photo to Tick Tracker Australia AFTER the tick has been removed and you have completed first aid to the bite. This photograph is an important process to validate the tick data and provide evidence of proof of a tick bite not just for Tick Tracker Australia but also for any post-bite medical care you may need. see photo instruction help
Ice spray
Obtain the ice/freeze spray (i.e. Tick Tox, Elastoplast Cold Spray or equivalent) available from pharmacies in Australia.
Position
Place the nozzle of the applicator 1cm above the tick or as per applicators instructions. Take care NOT to touch or compress the tick as this can cause pathogens to release from the tick into the person.
Cover
Locate the edges of the nozzle opening and fully cover the area of the tick, and hold the applicator in place as vertical as possible.
Dispense
Release the freezing spray by pressing on the dispenser firmly with your thumb 3 times in a row or as per the applicators instructions. After treatment, there may be a slight pain, cold or tingling sensation which should subside quickly. It is important not to touch, compress or squeeze the tick during this time as this can cause pathogens to release from the tick into the person.
Leave
Do not touch the tick. Wait 5-10 minutes for the mouthparts of the tick to release and the tick to detach from the skin. NOTE: The Australian Paralysis Ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) do not always detach from the skin easily, as they have the longest and most heavily barbed mouthpiece to all known ticks. Please be patient and use a loose band-aid to cover the tick whilst you wait – remembering not to compress or squeeze the tick.
Repeat
If the tick continues to move, repeat the process. Seek urgent medical attention if the tick does not detach from the skin or you cannot freeze the tick.If you are far from medical help, and the tick is still attached, safely try and remove the tick using the fine point tweezer removal method as long as the person who has been bitten is NOT having an anaphylactic reaction, severe allergy or tick paralysis.
Check
Once the tick has been removed from the skin, check for remaining pieces. If this happens, use the tweezers to remove the remaining pieces. If you are unable to remove the mouthpiece easily, seek further medical advice.
Clean
Once the tick is removed from the skin and all pieces removed, clean the area with soapy water.
Antiseptic
Apply antiseptic (iodine, alcohol or oxygen peroxide) to the bite area and continue regularly. If itchy you may also apply an antihistamine cream.
Save
We recommend always saving the tick in a small clean container or plastic bag for possible later testing or for showing a medical practitioner.
Rash
If any rash develops it is best to photograph this to show your practitioner. To determine if this rash widens, circle the rash with a pen to check later if the rash size has grown.
Seek
Get further medical attention:
a. URGENTLY if there is some kind of paralysis or anaphylaxis during this removal process.
b. As soon as possible if the tick has been attached to the skin for more than 24 hours.
c. If any symptoms develop such as fever, headache, tiredness, stiffness, joint aches within a few days of a suspected or known bite.
d. If a rash develops between 3 and 21 days depending on the type of infection.

Phone 000 if you are having an anaphylactic, severe allergy or tick paralysis. If you have access to an EpiPen seek medical advice on how or if to apply this.

#Following a tick bite, if you begin to have flu-like symptoms, tiredness, inflammation, arthritis, brain fog, tremors, memory issues or other unexplained issues please contact your nearest medical doctor who understands potential infectious diseases from tick bites for an assessment. These symptoms may develop sometime later so be aware of this late stage reaction for some people. See diseases.

Also, be aware that some ticks may cause an allergy to meat products called alpha-gal or tick meat allergy. Understand that this might happen for some people and generally realised when late-stage allergy or even an anaphylactic reaction occurs after eating any meat or meat-based products. Seek immediate medical assistance if this occurs later, as this reaction could have been from that previous tick bite. See diseases.

NYMPH TICK REMOVAL

With the tiny poppy seed size nymph ticks, these are often difficult to remove with tweezers or freeze spray.

Take a photo of the nymph tick/s attached and once the tick/s is removed upload it to Tick Tracker Australia.

For easiest removal, it is suggested to apply warm water with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup to wash over the area where they are located and keep repeating. If you have access to a bath, then use 2 cups of baking soda in warm water in a full bath. This then often unlatches the ticks and washes them away.

Another method for tiny nymph ticks is to gently rub only this type of cream over them called Lysol cream. This is often used for scabies. This contains 5% permethrin.

Both methods are great for kids. If ticks are still attached seek medical help.

LARVAL TICK REMOVAL

Note. This is the only time you use sticky tape or a sticky roller to remove these tiny seed ticks or the special Lysol cream.

Take a photo of the larval tick/s attached and once the tick/s is removed upload it to Tick Tracker Australia.

These are extremely tiny “baby” ticks usually are paler in colour with just 6 legs and can be in the hundreds crawling over a person. If you come across these tiny size ticks, they can attach themselves and leave spotty red rashes or pustules. (See image below).

As they have not fed before, they rarely lead to disease. They are often seen crawling all over like tiny mites and should be removed. If you have sticky or duct tape this can be used to pick these off or one of those sticky rollers to remove lint can be used. In this case, you can also use the permethrin Lysol cream or the Baking soda method to help remove them.

If tiny pustules arise later seek medical advice.

Ticna