Ticks are a primary vector for lyme disease. This is a much cleaner method of removal than just pulling. I was taught that ticks "screw" themselves in in a clockwise rotation when they bite, and rather than tugging at them, they can be gently twisted counter-clockwise until they come out. When using the wet Q-Tip method detailed below, you should rub the circle around and around in the counter-clockwise direction (as demonstrated in the video).
Here’s the details for the Q-Tip Tick Removal Method:
Get a Q-Tip, and moisten it with some oil. My favorite is clove essential oil, because this is repellant to the tick, it is anti-tick-borne-infection, and it’s what I rub into tick bites after removing the tick anyway. But any oil such as olive, coconut, or soap will do.
With your oily Q-tip, begin to rub in a circle around and around the tick, agitating it, making it rotate with the Q-tip until it backs out.
Save the tick for testing, or flush it down the toilet, and toss your Q-tip into the garbage.
Image courtesy of: Steviethewaspwhisperer
