How to properly dispose of ticks if you find one

Tick Awareness and Prevention

If you live close to wooded or rural areas, ticks are a common threat. These tiny arachnids feed on blood and can spread serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis, which may cause lasting health problems if not treated quickly.

The best defense against ticks is prevention. Wearing long clothing, using insect repellents, and checking yourself and your pets after outdoor activities greatly reduce the risk of bites. Although complete protection isn’t possible, simple precautions make a big difference.

If you find a tick attached to your skin, removing it safely is essential. Pulling it off with bare fingers can leave the head embedded, leading to infection. Instead, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to your skin and pull it out slowly and evenly.

Avoid squeezing or twisting the tick during removal, as this can release harmful fluids and increase contamination. Proper technique helps minimize the chance of infection or disease transmission.

Once removed, dispose of the tick carefully. You can seal it in a plastic bag, wrap it in tissue and flush it, or keep it in a container for identification if advised by a doctor or veterinarian.

Because pets are common hosts, inspect them regularly — especially their ears, armpits, and between their toes. Keeping pets tick-free helps protect your household.

After any tick bite, watch for fever, rash, fatigue, or joint pain. If these symptoms appear, seek medical care immediately to prevent severe tick-borne illness.