Best Tools for Removing Ticks: Top 10 Picks
In areas with active ticks, preventing Lyme disease is crucial. By removing underbrush, applying insect repellent, wearing clothing in layers, and checking all adults, children, and pets daily for ticks, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
When it comes to tick removal, using the right tools can make all the difference. The COITEK 3-in-1 Tick Remover Kit and the eTradewinds Tick-Off Pro are two popular options on the market.
The COITEK 3-in-1 Tick Remover Kit contains three tools for removing ticks of different sizes. It comes with a waterproof tick identification card and a carabiner for portability. The kit has a list price around $10 and a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some online reviewers praise the convenience of having different-sized tools, stating that they work better than an all-purpose tweezer when picking off ticks.
The eTradewinds Tick-Off Pro is a foldable tick removal tool with a lifetime replacement warranty and guarantee. It has a list price around $13 and a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. The device comes with a protective leather case and a tick identifier card. Some online reviewers appreciate that the spoons make it easier to identify the tick.
When removing a tick, it's essential to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible, aiming to grab the tick’s head or mouthparts, not the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting, jerking, or crushing the tick. If the tick’s head or mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, attempt to remove them gently with tweezers, but if not possible, the skin will likely expel the remainder naturally.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to disinfect. Avoid folklore methods like using petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat (a hot match) to remove or kill the tick, as these can cause the tick to burrow deeper and release more infectious saliva.
It's also important to note that only blacklegged ticks can transmit Lyme disease, and they can only transmit the bacteria after they are attached to the skin for at least 36 hours. Ticks in the U.S. can carry up to 16 different diseases, including Lyme disease.
Early intervention can prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses. If you notice any symptoms of Lyme disease, which include a rash, fever, body aches, facial paralysis, and arthritis, healthcare professionals should be contacted as soon as possible.
In 2019, there were 50,865 known cases of ticks causing disease, with Lyme disease being the most common, affecting 34,945 people. With the right precautions and tools, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming part of this statistic.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Ticks. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lyme disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351827 [3] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Lyme Disease. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/lyme-disease [4] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2021). Lyme Disease. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease [5] WebMD. (2021). Lyme Disease. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/lyme-disease-symptoms-causes-treatments
- Lyme disease, an infectious medical-condition, can be transmitted by tick bites, particularly those from blacklegged ticks.
- Despite the risk of getting stings from ticks that might carry infectious diseases, including Lyme disease, there are various preventive measures such as removing underbrush and applying insect repellent.
- In the event of tick bites, it is crucial to practice proper removal techniques to prevent the transmission of diseases like Lyme disease, and this involves grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible without crushing it, and then pulling it off steadily.
- To help manage uncertainties and health risks related to tick-borne diseases and other medical-conditions, it is essential to consult credible health-and-wellness resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Dermatology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and WebMD.
