Be Prepared And Keep A Couple Handy: Be ready in case you find a tick hosting where it shouldn't be. Keep one handy in your first aid kit, backpack, glove box or wherever you would like to keep yours.
Prevent The Spread Of Infectious Lyme Disease: Tick related illnesses such as Lyme disease are on the rise and currently cause for great concern. Lyme disease is one of the fastest growing preventive measure undertakings in the USA at the moment.
REMOVE TICKS PROMPTLY: In most cases a tick must be attached 36-48 hrs. before Lyme disease bacteria can be transmitted. Quick and proper removal is crucial for the precautionary measure to be effective.
Nymph Ticks, Biggest Threat: It's the small immature ticks called nymphs that cause the greatest concern. They are tiny and hard to see. Only sharp pointed tweezers should be used to grasp the tiny ticks as close to the skin as possible. NEVER use regular household tweezers.
Engorged Ticks, Fat And Juicy: Extraction of engorged ticks is easiest using the forked end of the instrument by sliding under as close to skin as possible then steady lift up. If any tiny pieces remain, use fine tipped tweezer end to remove the rest. Wash with soap/water or alcohol.
Proper Instruments Are Required: Never use regular tweezers as you might squeeze the tick body. It's highly advised by the CDC to never squeeze or grab a tick by the body. Save those regular tweezers for slivers and eyebrow plucking.
See Your Doctor: If after a tick bite you see red bullseye or feel flu like symptoms, see your physician immediately. These are the early symptoms of Lyme disease. If treated early, recovery is quick.