Removing a Tick

[Frederick L. Simson]

I got this from a family member and thought I'd pass it along.

Useful information for garden enthusiasts, [b]campers, hunters, or those with children or grandchildren who play outdoors,etc!! A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share -- it might work for you.

I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's sometimes difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair , etc. Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and let it stay on the repulsive insect for (15-20) seconds, after which the tick will come out on it's own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.

This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, 'It worked!'

[Joe Z]

Oh I like this procedure and will definately give this a try next time there's a tick
Joe

[Bob H]

On behalf of my Puppydog Buddy, a big WOOF n' a wet sloppy lick for the great advice!

[RachelW]

We tried it when dd had a tick last week.

It didn't work, just made a huge mess in her hair. Someone else may have better luck.

[Ken C]

I've had the best results with rubing alcohol.

[Scott S.]

when the tick is feeding on you, it breathes from the other end. if you use soap or Vasaline, they can't breathe and back out on their own but you have cover their bums with the stuff well. we're just finishing the longest tick season I can remember so this is and every day practice.

We tried it when dd had a tick last week.

It didn't work, just made a huge mess in her hair. Someone else may have better luck.