Grasp the tick with fine tweezers, as near to the skin as possible, and gently pull it straight out. Be careful not to squeeze the tick when removing it which could result in bacteria being injected into the body. Do not try to remove the tick with your fingers or attempt to remove with lighted cigarettes, matches, nail polish, or Vaseline.

Once removed, save the tick for identification in a small container with a lightly moistened cotton ball. Accurate identification is very important to know the risk associated with the bite and to support surveillance for this tick and Lyme disease.

Ticks from animals should be submitted for identification and Lyme disease assessment to the Animal Health Laboratory directly or through the regional offices of the Animal Health Division.

Information that should accompany the tick is available on the Tick Submission Form. (192 KB)