Tick Bite Prevention
Preventing tick access to skin includes
Engorged ticks should be removed with care and not crushed between the fingers because crushing the tick may result in disease transmission. The tick’s body should not be grasped or squeezed. Gradual traction on the head with a small forceps dislodges the tick. The point of attachment should be swabbed with alcohol. Petroleum jelly, alcohol, lit matches, and other irritants are not effective ways to remove ticks and should not be used. (See How to Remove a Tick.) No practical means are available to rid entire areas of ticks, but tick populations may be reduced in endemic areas by controlling small-animal populations. |