A Parent's Guide on How to Remove a Tick Safely

By Dr. Sam Ahn, MD (Family Medicine Specialist) | August 19, 2025

Finding a tick on your child can feel scary, and it’s natural to worry about what to do next. That moment of panic is quickly followed by the urgent question: what is the safest and best way for how to remove a tick? Taking a deep breath and knowing that quick removal is key—ideally within 24-36 hours to greatly reduce the risk of infection—can turn this moment of worry into one of confident action.

Quick Answer: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting. Do not use folk remedies like heat or petroleum jelly.

Prevention First: Your Best Tool Against Ticks

Before you ever have to remove one, the best strategy is to prevent tick bites from happening. After playing outside, especially in grassy or wooded areas, make it a daily habit to do a full-body "tick check."

Pay close attention to these favorite hiding spots: in and around the hair and ears, under the arms, inside the belly button, behind the knees, and in the groin area. Having your child wear light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks. Tucking long pants into socks creates a great barrier for little legs.

Choosing a Safe Bug Spray for Your Family

A good insect repellent adds another layer of protection. For children over 2 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics says products with up to 30% DEET are both safe and effective. If you prefer a natural option, products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) can work, but please note they are not recommended for children under 3 years old. Always read the label on any repellent and follow the directions for your child's age.

What to Do: A Simple Action Plan for How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick, stay calm and follow these steps.

1. Get the Right Tool (and Avoid the Wrong Ones!): Grab a pair of clean, fine-tipped tweezers. It is very important not to use things like a hot match, petroleum jelly, or nail polish. These methods don't work and can cause the tick to release more saliva into the bite, increasing infection risk.

2. Remove the Tick Correctly: Get the tweezers as close to your child’s skin as you can. Pull straight up with a steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk, as this can cause the tick’s head to break off in the skin. If parts do remain, try to remove them with tweezers, but if you can’t, just clean the area and let the skin heal.

3. Clean Up and Keep an Eye on It: After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. You can save the tick in a sealed bag or a small jar with a bit of rubbing alcohol. Then, use the Photo Upload feature in the FeverCoach app to take a picture of the bite area. Having a photo of the tick and the bite can be very helpful if you need to talk to your doctor later.

When to Call the Doctor

You don’t need to call the doctor for every tick bite, but you should watch for certain signs in the days and weeks that follow. Call your pediatrician if your child develops:

• A rash, especially a "bull's-eye" rash (a red ring with a clear center).

• A fever or chills.

• Headache, muscle aches, or painful joints.

• Signs of a skin infection at the bite site (growing redness, warmth, or pus).

Still have questions?

Get personalized answers in seconds from our AI Coach in the FeverCoach app.