New Jersey is known as a high-risk area for diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and potentially the Zika virus. Fortunately, we can help you combat these pests with our tick and mosquito control services. Our products are safe for children and pets while remaining effective.
You've probably heard dozens of myths on the best way to remove a tick. From lit cigarettes to painting the tick's body, you can ask any number of people how to remove ticks and get different answers from each of them. But what do the experts have to say about these myths? And what methods of removing a tick do they recommend?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn against false information, saying:
"Avoid folklore remedies such as 'painting' the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach from the skin. Your goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible – not waiting for it to detach."
You can also ignore any special tick removal devices or products. All you'll need is a set of fine-tipped tweezers (not standard household tweezers which have a broader tip). The CDC explains removing ticks the correct way:
See a doctor if you develop a fever, a rash, severe fatigue, facial paralysis, or joint pain within 30 days of being bitten by a tick. Be sure to tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.
The steps for removing a tick from your dog or cat are the same as the ones provided for humans by the CDC, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
The TickEncounter Resource Center at the University of Rhode Islandmakes an excellent point about the most effective way to get rid of a tick, pointing out why regular household tweezers should not be used in place of fine-tipped tweezers:
" ... ticks are tiny. Household tweezers just aren't the right tool for proper tick removal ... there's a striking difference when compared to tick tweezers.
Unfed adult ticks are about the size of an apple seed; nymph stage ticks are significantly smaller, about the size of a poppy seed. Ticks change in size and appearance as they engorge. The use of household tweezers increases the chances of tearing the tick during removal, especially Nymphs which are active from early April to early August."
They also mention that "you should not be concerned if the tick head breaks off and remains in the skin. Tick-borne disease transmission is not possible without the tick's body."
Of course, you won’t have to remove a tick if one never attaches itself to you, your family or your pets. Call Backyard Bug Busters to find out what you can do to stop this from happening.
© 2017-2024 Backyard Bug Busters. All Rights Reserved.