Tick identification guide
What to Do After a Tick Bite
Remove the tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the bite area, and note when and where the bite likely happened.
Right away
- ◆Grasp the tick close to the skin with clean fine-tipped tweezers
- ◆Pull upward with steady, even pressure
- ◆Clean the bite area and your hands
- ◆Save a clear photo and the date and location of the bite
Afterward
- ◆Watch for fever, rash, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, or joint symptoms
- ◆Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms develop
- ◆Do not use a tick test result alone to decide whether you need medical care
Reference: CDC tick guidance. Tick ranges and public-health guidance can change; consult the linked source for current information.