How to Remove a Tick

First published June 2014
Updated March 2026

Finding a tick on your child can feel scary! Ticks are common, especially in warmer months, but most don’t carry disease. It’s still important to do what you can to prevent tick bites.

Ticks can be found in tall grass and heavy brush but can also hitch a ride on household pets and clothing. They attach themselves to clothing or skin that is close enough to make contact as they search for a feast. If your child is going to play or camp in a wooded area, dress them in long pants that tuck into socks and light-colored clothing (for easier tick spotting). The use of tick repellants with DEET (bug spray) may also be used and should be applied as directed.

After playing outdoors, it is a good idea to do a tick check on your child as soon as they step indoors. This will increase the chances of finding and removing ticks before they are able to attach and possibly spread illness to your child. Common areas of the body where ticks may be found include the head, neck, ears, belly button, waist, knees and between the legs. They may also cling to areas of tighter clothing such as the sock and belt line.

If the tick is attached to your child, you will need to remove it right away. Removing ticks correctly can be simple.

What To Do:

• Use a pair of fine tipped tweezers.
• Grab the tick as close to its mouth (as close to your child’s skin) as possible.
• Pull straight upward with a firm grip to remove the entire tick: avoid leaving parts of the tick behind.
• Get rid of the tick by placing in rubbing alcohol, a sealed-up baggie, or flush it down the toilet. Do not smother the tick with petroleum jelly, nail polish or rubbing alcohol, and do not try to burn the tick. These methods are not effective and can be dangerous.
• Wash the area with soap and water and watch the site for signs of infection or rash for the next few weeks.
  It is okay if you are unable to fully remove all parts of the tick. It is most important to remove the body from the skin. Do your best, then let it heal.

When to Call Your Pediatrician or Visit an Urgent Care or Emergency Department:

• If you are unable to remove the tick
• If there is pain, swelling, redness or warmth around the area, or if there is pus draining from the area
• If fever, chills, headache, joint pain or flu-like symptoms develop within weeks of the bite
• If a “target” rash develops around the bite area

If you have further concerns, call your Primary Care Provider and schedule a follow-up visit.

 

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