It’s Tick Awareness Week, and the timing couldn’t be better – Massachusetts ticks are on the move.

In the past, we’ve talked a lot about how to avoid ticks, how to control them in your yard, and the health risks involved with tick bites. Another crucial thing to know about ticks is how to safely remove them if you’ve been bitten.

Removing a tick from your body is different from any insect; you can’t just swat them away. These parasitic pests consume blood by attaching to the host and burrowing under the skin. Unsafe removal methods can increase risk of disease transmission and infection. You probably don’t need convincing to read on and learn how to properly remove a tick.

What You’ll Need:

• Tweezers
• Soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• Tissue

Step One: Gently pull back any hair from around the tick bite/head.

Step Two: Using fine-point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the head as possible – do not grab by the body.

Step Three: Pull the tick straight outward until the head is removed – Do not twist, turn, or wiggle.

Step Four: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water. Rubbing alcohol may also be used. Dispose of tick in toilet or closed trash can wrapped in tissue.

What to Watch For:

After removing the tick, keep an eye out for symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, and rash or red ring near the bite site. Contact your physician if these concerns arise.

Remember to take precautions against tick bites, whether you’re on a hiking trail or in your own yard. For added protection, call Burgess Pest to discuss a seasonal tick and mosquito program. Choose a standalone plan or a Pad Protection Plan like our P10+MT for coverage that includes the 10 most common household pests, plus ticks and mosquitoes. We’re here to help you bite back at tick season with a plan that works for you.