How To Remove A Tick!

Was there ever a topic in pests that was so controversial? Do you paint it off, do you peel it off? Do you take a flame and burn it off risking skin, clothes and all other flammable items within arm’s reach?

Firstly, if you are allergic to ticks, or have a history of allergies, Flick strongly recommends heading straight to a doctor first, and asking them to remove it. This is the safest option. If someone with a tick bite is already developing anaphylaxis, put down this article, call 000 and get help. Don’t try to twist, or scratch or pull it off. The more you do this, the more of the saliva and other pathogens inside the tick will be squeezed out into the open wound, and also cause the tick to bury in further.

Ok emergencies aside. The one true consensus is that you definitely don’t want them on you. Aside from itchiness and local pain, the biggest risk ticks present is allergic reactions. One hospital on Sydney’s northern beaches released a study which showed of 500 bites that presented, 34 resulted in anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Similarly, ticks have been known to introduce bacterial infections, and other complications. Currently, scientists in Australia at a 2016 senate hearing, report that Lyme disease is not present in Australia. They did note cases of Lyme-like conditions though, that they say warrants further research. But regardless of whether your trying to avoid a bacterial infection, are allergic or not, having a tick buried neck deep in your skin is not a pleasant experience.

If you’re fortunate to not be reactive to ticks, you need to get a spray with ether in it (such as Wart-Off Freeze, Aerostart or Elastoplast Cold Spray). Kill it with a spray, waiting around 5 minutes after application for it to die. You then need to remove it using fine tipped forceps, NOT TWEEZERS. This is critical. Tweezer’s are not fine enough and will squeeze the ticks saliva and innards back into the open wound, leading to a much higher chance of negative reactions. Once you have safely removed the tick with the fine tipped forceps, be sure to wash the wound with soap and water, and cover.

Ticks are a common pest in Australia, especially in damper areas and after rainfall. Fortunately, Flick has treatments available for just about every bloodsucker that is intruding on your home. Give us a ring on 13 14 40, to discuss how we can proof your home from a tirade of ticks!