Ticks are a source of Lyme disease, and should be removed as soon as possible. Remove a tick from your skin using fine-tipped tweezers to firmly grasp the tick very close to the skin. With a steady motion, pull the tick's body away from your skin, then clean the skin with soap and warm water. Throw the dead tick away with your household trash.

Avoid crushing the tick's body. Do not be alarmed if the tick's mouthparts remain in the skin, as once they are detached from the body of the tick, they can no longer transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. If you do accidentally crush the tick, clean your skin with soap and warm water or alcohol.

Don't use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products to remove ticks.