Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
Pull upward with steady, even pressure
Do not twist, jerk, crush, or burn the tick
If parts of the tick remain in the skin, leave them if they cannot be easily removed
Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine
Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag or container, or flushing it
Monitor the bite area for rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, or flu-like symptoms
Seek medical care if you cannot remove the tick, the bite becomes infected, or symptoms develop
Check your body, hair, clothing, and pets for additional ticks
Shower soon after possible exposure to help find and remove ticks
Wash and dry clothing on high heat to kill hidden ticks
Use tick repellent and protective clothing to reduce future bites