• ​Use fine-tipped tweezers or shield your fingers with a tissue, paper towel, or rubber gloves, when removing the tick; otherwise infectious agents may enter through mucous membranes and breaks in the skin. DO NOT use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or other products.

• Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. 

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• DO NOT twist or jerk the tick; this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. 

• DO NOT squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick because its fluids may contain infectious organisms. 

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• After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.

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