How to Kill Small Ticks

Ticks are small parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of most mammals and birds. Commonly found on household pets, especially dogs, ticks can be dangerous because they spread a number of diseases, including lyme disease, tularemia, relapsing fever and tick paralysis. They are notoriously difficult to kill and can survive long periods of starvation, extreme temperatures and even long-term water submersion. Small ticks are especially difficult to destroy because you can't crush them with rocks or the heel of your shoe.

Things You'll Need

  • Small jar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Tweezers
  • Needle
  • Mild soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a small jar with with 2 to 3 inches of rubbing alcohol. Set the jar aside, but keep it within reach.

    • 2

      Grasp the tick's mouth with the tweezers if it is attached to skin. Slowly and steadily pull upward and outward until the tick releases its hold of the skin. Do not squeeze or twist the tick.

    • 3

      Wash the bite site with mild soap and warm water. Pat it dry with a small towel or washcloth. Wait two to three minutes until the area is completely dry and apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the bite.

    • 4

      Examine the tick to make sure it is whole. If the tick is still moving, it is whole. If the tick's mouth part is stuck in the skin, clean the area with rubbing alcohol and use a small sterile needle to uncover the mouth part. Remove the uncovered mouth part, using the needle or tweezers. Call your doctor if you can not remove it.

    • 5

      Drop the tick into the jar and promptly close the lid. Swirl the alcohol around in the jar so that the alcohol covers the entire tick.

    • 6

      Keep the jar for 24 hours to make sure the tick is dead.

    • 7

      Flush the tick down the toilet.