When a tick is found and safely removed, the immediate concern is how to properly kill and dispose of it. An infected tick poses a risk if not destroyed, as crushed body fluids or a surviving tick can still spread pathogens. Many common disposal methods are ineffective due to the surprising resilience of these arachnids.
How Long Ticks Survive Submerged
The idea of simply drowning a tick in water is appealing but highly unreliable because ticks are biologically adapted for extended survival underwater. Ticks breathe through small external openings called spiracles, which they can seal off. This ability allows them to enter a state of extremely low metabolism when submerged. By drastically slowing their need for oxygen, many tick species can survive for a minimum of 24 to 72 hours submerged in water, making flushing a tick down the toilet an uncertain method of destruction. Some species, like the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), have demonstrated the ability to survive in freshwater for up to 70 days. This lengthy survival time is aided by a waxy outer coating that repels water and a respiratory system that can utilize a thin layer of trapped air, sometimes called a plastron.
Safe and Reliable Tick Killing Methods
Since water is not a rapid method of killing a tick, use a proven agent that acts quickly. The most recommended and effective method is to submerge the removed tick in a small container of rubbing alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol rapidly penetrates the tick’s outer layer and spiracles, killing it within minutes. Another highly effective method involves utilizing adhesive tape, which works by securely immobilizing and suffocating the tick. A piece of heavy-duty tape, like duct tape, should be wrapped tightly around the tick multiple times before the package is discarded in the trash. For identification purposes, a sealed container with alcohol or a double-bagged, frozen specimen is the best choice for presentation to a healthcare provider.
Common Ineffective Disposal Attempts
Many people attempt to dispose of a tick using methods that are either ineffective or dangerous to human health. Crushing a tick with fingers or an object is strongly discouraged because the action can rupture the tick’s body, releasing potentially infected blood and gut contents. This increases the risk of disease transmission. Attempting to burn a tick, often using a match or lighter, is extremely hazardous and should never be done. The heat can cause the tick to burst, risking spraying infectious material into the air or onto the skin.