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