Tick Safety: How to Remove a Tick

  1. Firstly, don’t panic. Not all ticks carry pathogens that make people sick.
  2. Remove the tick ASAP. According to LDAA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, mechanical removal of the tick as soon as possible is the safest tick removal method. This is endorsed by the World Health Organisation and the Center for Disease Control (US), and is evidence-based. Note: If you have a history of allergic reactions to tick bites, a doctor must remove the tick. This should take place at a medical facility, where resuscitation equipment is available.
TickEase Australia’s tick removal tool
  • Using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick prong (see TickEase Australia’s fit-for-purpose tick removal tool, left), press the skin down around the tick’s embedded mouth.
  • Grip the mouth part firmly, then gently detach the tick using an upward motion with steady, even pressure.
  • Avoid squeezing the tick’s body. Disinfect the bitten area and the tweezers/prong before and after removal.
How to safely remove a tick

Never attempt to kill the tick by burning it, or covering it with methylated spirits, alcohol, petroleum jelly or nail polish remover.

Larvae and nymph removal

Due to their small size and large numbers, these can be difficult to remove via the above method. Individual removal may not be possible.

  • The NSW Northern Beaches Council advise to “Use a permethrin cream to kill them and then shave them from your skin.” Find Permethrin at chemists (NB. Permethrin is poisonous to cats and toxic in waterways).
  • Australian Government agencies recommend using freeze or ether sprays to kill ticks and waiting for them to drop off.
  1. Store the tick
    Store the tick in a ziplock plastic bag. Label the bag with your name, date, site of the bite, and the tick attachment time. Place this in your freezer for safekeeping, or contact us to have the tick tested for pathogens.
  2. Feeling ill after the tick bite
    If you notice a rash or become ill (e.g. flu-like symptoms – headaches, fever, aches, swollen glands) following a tick bite, seek treatment as soon as possible to lessen the likelihood of ongoing symptoms. Please contact us.

    Treatment should continue until after symptoms have resolved.