tick removal

[Jim Wagner]

Here is an link to an excellent flyer from the CDC on ticks (and removal there-of) and Lyme Disease.

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/tool ... se-508.pdf

Jim Wagner

[Bosterson]

I have a Tick Twister that I (thankfully) haven't had to test yet.

Update: a few weeks ago, I had to use the Tick Twister on a hiking partner, and then it had to be used on me, and both times it seemed to work really well. The tick that was pulled off me (after around 4 hours embedded) was so intact that it extracted itself from the twister slot and started crawling around.

[Chip Down]

I try to follow the practice of pulling on a tick gently until it gives up and releases on its own (using the proper instrument and technique). Done correctly, you don't squeeze the tick. Imagine pulling a nail out of wood, using a claw hammer. Same idea. Pull gently until your skin tents out, hold for maybe 15 seconds, if no success pull a little harder. It always works for me, I've never had to pull a tick out using brute force (i.e. I've never pulled a tick off the same way you'd pick a berry, by simply plucking it off quickly). I've only had to extract a handful* of ticks, so I'm far from an expert.

* not literally, that would be horrible

[Chip Down]

The tick that was pulled off me (after around 4 hours embedded) was so intact that it extracted itself from the twister slot and started crawling around.

Yeah, exactly, the ticks I've extracted appeared to be perfectly healthy.
"catch and release"

[Waffle Stomper]

Incidentally, it's interesting how long an extracted tick can survive. You might think it's dead, but blow on it and it will squirm around for a minute before going dormant again.

I had one squirm in a vial of rubbing alcohol for a couple days before there was no further movement.

[BigBear]

Chip Down: your "catch and release" comment is very funny

I just hope I don't get bitten by one of your ticks. However, my policy is more like "stand your ground." If it bites me, it dies. That goes for animals big and small.

BTW, I could use another bear skin carpet. That cougar skin in the guest bedroom is getting a bit worn out.posting.php?mode=reply&f=18&t=28121#

[retired jerry]

hmmm...

my cat bit me...

[Water]

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[Water]

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