Ticks thrive in warm, humid weather and start appearing in large numbers during spring and summer. Despite taking precautions, avoiding tick bites can be difficult—especially if you hike, camp, or garden outdoors. If one of these arachnids latches onto you or a beloved pet, knowing how to remove a tick correctly is vital to reduce the risk of disease.
Drawing on guidance from the CDC and the American Kennel Club (AKC), this step-by-step tick removal guide reflects widely used methods. Here’s how to remove a tick with a pair of tweezers:
1 – Disinfect your tweezers
Dip a pair of fine-tipped tweezers into rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Many homeowners ask, “Does hydrogen peroxide kill ticks more effectively than alcohol?” While peroxide can kill ticks when fully submerged, its primary role here is to clean your tool before removal.
2 – Grip the tick close to the skin
Position the tweezers as near to the skin’s surface as possible, grasping the tick’s head or mouth parts gently.
3 – Pull straight up with steady pressure
Apply an even, upward motion—avoid twisting or jerking, which can sever the tick’s mouth parts and leave them embedded.
4 – Handle embedded mouth-parts
If the mouth part breaks off and stays in the skin, don’t dig it out. Leave it to work its way out naturally, and watch for any signs of irritation.
5 – Dispose of the tick
Many ask, “Will hydrogen peroxide kill ticks after removal?” You can drop the tick into alcohol, seal it in a bag for testing (though tests can be costly), or flush it down the toilet.
6 – Monitor for symptoms
Over the next few weeks, watch yourself or your pet for signs of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses—rash, fever, fatigue—and seek medical care promptly if they occur.
Removing the tick quickly is critical, but avoid these common mistakes:
1 – Smothering: Don’t cover the tick with petroleum jelly, Vaseline, or nail polish.
2 – Burning: Never try to burn the tick off with a flame or other heat source.
3 – Twisting or jerking: Avoid sudden movements that can leave mouth parts behind.
At Horizon Pest Control, our certified professionals will inspect your property for ticks and apply targeted treatments to eliminate them for good. Call us at (201) 447-2530.
We proudly serve Montclair, Essex Fells, Cedar Grove, Ridgewood, Edison, Midland Park, and communities throughout New Jersey.
1. What is the safest way to remove a tick?
Use fine-tipped tweezers and follow CDC-approved steps: disinfect the tool, grip the tick close to the skin, pull straight up with even pressure, and avoid twisting or jerking to prevent mouth parts from breaking off.
2. Does hydrogen peroxide kill ticks, and will it help after removal?
Hydrogen peroxide can kill ticks when fully submerged, but it isn’t a substitute for proper removal. Its main benefit is disinfecting your tweezers—drop the tick into peroxide or alcohol afterward for safe disposal.
3. How soon should I see a doctor after a tick bite?
If you notice a rash, fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches within days to weeks after a bite, seek medical care immediately. Early treatment dramatically reduces the risk of complications from Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
Where Do Ticks Come From and Where Do They Live? By Horizon Pest Control Understanding Tick Origins Ticks are parasitic arachnids that rely on blood
How Ticks Find a Potential Host By Horizon Pest Control If you are worried about ticks, you already know to be careful in the woods.
Why Fall Tick Treatments in New Jersey are Necessary By Horizon Pest Control Why Fall Tick Treatments in New Jersey are Necessary Ticks are small,
