June 2026
Tick bites carry a variety of serious diseases — from Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. A bite from the Lone Star tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic reaction to red meat and pork.
How to safely remove a tick
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it ASAP to prevent the spread of disease.
- Use tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible using fine-tipped tweezers (or regular tweezers if unavailable). Avoid squeezing the tick’s body to prevent spreading infection.
- Pull straight out: Use steady, even pressure to remove the tick. Do not twist or jerk, as this can leave the tick’s mouthparts embedded in your skin.
- Dispose: Seal it in a container, wrap it in tape, flush it down the toilet, or submerge it in alcohol. Avoid crushing it with your fingers.
- Clean: Wash the bite site with soap and water, or use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer if needed.
When to seek medical attention
Seek help urgently if you experience difficulty breathing, hives, facial swelling, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, fainting, or persistent vomiting.
Watch for symptoms for the next month. With some illnesses, such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis, symptoms may take up to a month to appear. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses include fever, headache, fatigue, rash, muscle pain, and joint swelling or pain.
Check the bite site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, or discharge.
To learn more about how to prevent tick bites, check out our article on Summer Safety Tips.
