How to Remove a Tick

All images copyright H3D.

The best option for tick removal is to use a specialised tool such as the O'TOM Tick Twister as pictured above.

Choose the most suitable hook, according to the size of the tick
Engage the hook by approaching the tick from the side (the body of a tick is flat) until it is held
Lift the hook very lightly and TURN IT (screwing or unscrewing)

The tick detaches by itself after 2 or 3 rotations

>DO: cleanse the bite site, tweezers and/or tick removal tool with antiseptic before and after removal.
DO: wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
DO: save the tick in a container in case you develop symptoms later and label itwith date and location.

DO NOT: squeeze or twist the body of the tick. This may cause the head and body to separate, leaving the head embedded in your skin.
DO NOT: use your fingernails to remove a tick. Infection can enter via any breaks in your skin.
DO NOT: crush the tick's body. This may cause it to regurgitate its infected stomach contents into the bite wound.
DO NOT: try to burn the tick off with cigarettes or matches, apply petroleum jelly, nail polish or any other chemical. Any of these methods can cause discomfort to the tick, resulting in regurgitation, or saliva release.

If you do not have one of these tools use a pointed set of tweezers.
Grasp the tick firmly and as close to your skin as possible. In a steady motion, pull the tick's body away directly outwards without jerking or twisting. It may put up quite a bit of resistance!
If you have no tools at all do not delay removing the tick.
Take a loop of cotton thread, tie it around the tick's mouth parts and pull gently upwards.

Tourist information offices are not obliged to warn tourists if there are holidaying in areas where TBE or Lyme disease are prevalent.

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