Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
Pull upward with steady, even pressure
Do not twist or jerk the tick
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
Save the tick in a sealed container or bag in case you need it for identification
Watch the bite site for redness, swelling, or worsening rash over the next several days
Contact a healthcare professional if you develop fever, chills, body aches, headache, or a spreading rash, or if you can’t fully remove the tick
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, facial swelling, severe headache, stiff neck, or rapidly spreading symptoms
Avoid using petroleum jelly, alcohol, nail polish, heat, or suffocation methods