Health Related Affiliates

Proper Tick Removal
What can we do to protect ourselves? The first step, stresses the Lyme Disease Task Force, is to become educated about ticks and the diseases they carry.

One important element is the ABCs of proper tick removal. Removing the tick quickly and correctly can help minimize the likelihood of contracting the disease.

• Use a fine-point tweezers and grasp the tick behind its head, as close to the skin as possible.
• Gently pull the tick straight out.
• Place the tick in a small vial, bottle or plastic bag that can be sealed. Label it with a name, address and date.
• If possible, place a small amount of grass inside the container. It will help to keep the tick alive, which may allow you to receive test results more quickly.
• Wash your hands, and disinfect the site of the bite with alcohol. Disinfect the tweezers.
• Have the tick identified and tested by a lab. The Town of Greenwich lab is located on the ground floor of Town Hall. Please call (203) 622-7843 for more information on the submission process. The State of Connecticut also offers testing at the Connecticut Agricultural Station (203) 974-8500.
• Call your local doctor to determine if treatment is necessary.