Quick and Easy Tick Removal

Jeremy Dixon
by Jeremy Dixon
Ticks are everywhere here in Tennessee, so much so that our Chickens can’t seem to keep up with them, though I’m sure they give it their best. So if you live around us or in an area where ticks are living, it pays to know an easy and safe way to remove them.
If you’re not already convinced, we have a friend who recently made a trip to the ER to find out that he is now allergic to the meat of mammals because of a tick bite.
On with the removal procedure.
The main idea with the process is that you want to end up with a living tick that still has its “mouth” in tact. If you rip off its “mouth” or kill the tick it will basically vomit inside you and any parasites or bacteria come with it. With a living tick, your chances of that are much less.
Step 1 – Locate Tick
A simple visual inspection at the end of the day.
Step 2 – Take some dental floss and make a loose knot. Lay the knot around the tick area and gently tighten the knot making sure it tightens right where the tick meets your body. Once it is in the right position, tighten it down.
Step 3 – Gently pull on the floss/knot. Generally the tick will release if you just apply constant pressure for a little while.
Step 4 – Once you have a live tick on a string, it’s best to put it in a plastic bag with the date of removal on it. Put that bag in the freezer to preserve the tick. This is in case your health turns and you need to get the tick tested for the various parasites or bacterias.
The tick in the photo is completely alive. Notice the knot tied around its “mouth” area.
Quick and Easy Tick Removal Process (all you need is dental floss and a steady hand.)
Step 1 – Locate Tick A simple visual inspection at the end of the day.
Step 2 – Take some dental floss and make a loose knot. Lay the knot around the tick area and gently tighten the knot making sure it tightens right where the tick meets your body. Once it is in the right position, tighten it down.
Step 3 – Gently pull on the floss/knot. Generally the tick will release if you just apply constant pressure for a little while.
Step 4 – Once you have a live tick on a string, it’s best to put it in a plastic bag with the date of removal on it. Put that bag in the freezer to preserve the tick. This is in case your health turns and the tick needs tested.
Jeremy Dixon
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Sherilyn Lawson Sherilyn Lawson on Jun 12, 2018

    i'm moving to an area with ticks and know nothing about them. thank you. i will be living alone, can this be done on one's self? with one hand, i mean? if i were to get a tick on my arm, i'd only have the other arm to work with

  • Laura Laura on Sep 08, 2020

    How do you apply this technique if it has its legs also embedded?


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  • Orinthia Orinthia on Jun 10, 2022

    I just put some clear nail polish over the tick and let it dry. The tick will suffocate, as it can't suck or breathe due to the nail polish. Once the nail polish dries the tick will be dead, and the nail polish can be plucked off along with the tick.

  • Amy Amy on Jun 12, 2023

    Or...pour alcohol on the tick, the tick dies, releases, and then you can keep it wherever you want! Works on animals as well!

    • Hill Mary Hill Mary 12 hours ago

      I've used that method too but soaking a cotton ball with the alcohol and covering it for several minutes until the tick lets go.

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