Ticks do not burrow under the skin; they attach to the surface to feed. This article clarifies how ticks attach, how to remove them properly, potential health risks, and effective prevention methods.
How Ticks Attach and Feed
Ticks use specialized mouthparts to attach and feed on blood. Their feeding apparatus includes a barbed, needle-like hypostome, cutting chelicerae, and sensory palps. When a tick locates a suitable feeding site, the chelicerae cut into the skin. The tick then inserts its hypostome to anchor itself firmly.
During attachment, some tick species secrete a cement-like substance, strengthening their hold and making removal difficult. The tick also injects saliva containing anticoagulants and anesthetics. These prevent blood clotting and numb the bite area, allowing the tick to feed undetected for days. As the tick feeds, its body swells; only its mouthparts are embedded.
Proper Tick Removal
Prompt and correct tick removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking motions. This prevents mouthparts from breaking off. If mouthparts do break off, they can often be removed with tweezers or naturally expelled by the body.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water. Dispose of the live tick by:
Placing it in a sealed container.
Wrapping it tightly in tape.
Flushing it down the toilet.
Submerging it in alcohol.
Do not crush the tick. Avoid common folklore remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat, as these are ineffective and may cause the tick to release potentially infected fluids.
Understanding Tick-Borne Illnesses
Ticks can transmit various pathogens during their feeding process. The risk of transmission increases with attachment duration, as ticks often need to feed for at least 24 to 36 hours to transmit most disease-causing agents. Common tick-borne illnesses include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Anaplasmosis.
Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses vary but often include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a rash. Lyme disease is characterized by a distinctive bull’s-eye rash, although not all cases present with this rash. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can cause a rash several days after fever onset. If these symptoms develop after a tick bite, or if you suspect exposure to a tick habitat, seek medical attention.
Preventing Tick Bites
Preventing tick bites involves avoiding tick-prone environments and using protective measures. Ticks are found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, including leaf litter and tall grass. When outdoors, stay on marked trails and avoid direct contact with dense vegetation.
Using EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin is effective; repellents containing DEET (at least 20%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended. Treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin provides an extra layer of defense, as permethrin repels or kills ticks and remains effective through several washes. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes for a physical barrier. After spending time outdoors, perform a thorough tick check on your body, clothing, and pets, focusing on armpits, groin, and scalp. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can also help dislodge unattached ticks.