removing deer ticks
 

I just removed an imbedded deer tick. I can never pull them out. I always break them off and end up with part of them still in me. Regular ticks always pull easy but I never can pull a deer tick. The only way I can get the rest out is to dig a needle under the imbedded part and lift and cut away a hunk of meat. This is not fun!
Is there an easier way?

You know, now that you mention it, I noticed the same thing with myself and the dogs. Those dang deer ticks can really get a hold compared to a normal one. Good observation. I'd like to know as well.

iSnipe

Removing Ticks
 

As a public health professional let me suggest the following:

This is great, because it works in those places where it's some times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc. Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball.

Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and let it stay on the repulsive insect for a few seconds (15-20), after which the tick will come out on it's own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.


Take care not to do the following:

• Do not use sharp tweezers.
• Do not crush, puncture, or squeeze the tick's body.
• Do not use a twisting or jerking motion to remove the tick.
• Do not handle the tick with bare hands.
• Do not try to make the tick let go by holding a hot match or cigarette close to it.
• Do not try to smother the tick by covering it with petroleum jelly or nail polish.

Do I need to take an antibiotic?
Most people do not need an antibiotic. In most cases, ticks have to be attached to the body for 24 to 48 hours to transmit disease. However, you should see your doctor if you develop redness, swelling, pain, fever, or other symptoms after you are bitten by a tick.
How can I prevent tick bites?

• If you spend a lot of time outdoors during tick season (mid-spring to mid-summer), check your body and scalp often for ticks.
• Wear light-colored clothes that cover most of your skin when you go into the woods or an area overgrown with grass and bushes. (This makes it easier to see ticks on your clothes.) Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants instead of shorts. Tuck the legs of your pants into your socks for added protection. Remember that ticks are usually found close to the ground, especially in moist, shaded areas.
• Insect repellent containing the chemical DEET repels ticks. Be careful to follow the directions on the label, and do not apply more than recommended, especially on children.

I've never been able to remove a deer tick intact. They always seem to lose their head. I can do it just fine with the regular wood ticks.

I will try this! It sounds a lot better then cutting away a hunk of meat each time. I should have posted BEFORE operating!

insert the corner of a razor blade or small thin knife under the head ,they will let go and pull out easy . sound too simple I know, but its worked for me several times.

Todd,

get a bottle of Makers Mark and sit down and get drunk, dont worry about it until you can do the whole surgery with exacto knife. JK :lmao:

Glad to see you are still sporting the snow and ice beard!

Seriously, watch it and see if it starts to look red all around it, then maybe get some antibiotics to keep from blood poisoning.

Good thing its not a nad bite! Could get interesting to have a nurse check it out!

deer camp list.....
bow? chek
arrows? check
boots? chek
cotton ball? chek
liquid soap? chek

+1 Gremlin's comments

I gotta ask the professional, why do recommend not burning the tick? That's what I have always done. Why is this harmful?

If said recommendation works, that's excellent. However, gremlin's info, besides the cure, was known to me. What I'd like to know is, why not use the other methods?

iSnipe

Jesus Christ, grow a set would ya?

Next thing your gonna ask is how to trim a broken nail and if your hunting clothes match! Can you hunt more than 3 weeks a month?

Ha-ha!

The last tick I pulled out I kept as a pet and named him gmmat...

I figured I would put a bullseye on my chest and start some beef, as I'm a little bored, just Does and small bucks so far Magic...

Can't make MN this year old pal, maybe next year? The new job is going well, too well, real busy... I'll call soon

Generally your deer tick will bite you, and then drop on its own. You might have whats called a bear tick. they are very similar looking. My cousin spent about a month in the hospital because he was bit by a deer tick that was a lymes carrier. He damned near died. They flew in specialists from another state to monitor him and do some research. They told him he had been bitten by a deer tick and told him they generally bite, inject the poison and then drop leaving a scab, when it itches, you scratch it then the poison is released into the blood stream.

I've always used a lit match to remove them. They back right out. Are you sure that they are a deer tick and not a wood tick? A deer tick is only about the size of a pen tip. good luck deerman

It is in your best interests to go get tested for Lyme. I pulled a tick out of my legs this spring. Had a DRs appointment a couple days after this incident for other reasons. Informed the DR of the tick bite. He said it was slim to none chance of getting lyme:rant:. And to come back in 2 weeks to get tested. Went back a month later because of vacation and I was feeling terrible. Aches and pains, headaches, lathargic, etc. Tested positive for lyme. After a month worth of antibiotics, I feel a 100% better. But I'm pretty sure this is with me for life. Lyme can kill you and do some real damage. Get tested.

getting out ticks
 

We have found that taking a hot shower makes the little beggers want to leave real quick.

Do male deer ticks have antlers?

"Do male deer ticks have antlers? "

Of course! That's why they hurt so much!!

Chuckled - thanks Barnes!

I am not a professional but I have read that any method that causes excess stress on the bug (such as burning) can make it expel all the nasty stuff inside it (basically throw up inside you) before you can get it out. The best method I have found is to grab it with a pair of very narrow tweezers right where the head enters the skin, taking care not to squeeze the bug's body. Make a little "tent" with your skin - gentle even pressure. The trick (and hard part) is to be patient. With a constant tension, the tick should back out on its own, without puking its guts - and disease - on its way out.

Then burn the basturd.:devil:

Sorry for whining. Next time I'll just bite him out with a hunk of hide, spit him out and continue hunting.

For the record: I'll trim my nails with my hunting knife and my clothes will never match and I'll hunt as much as I damn well please!

Sorry to hear you can't make MN. I'll be cussing you out when I'm dragging that monster buck alone! Don't worry, I'll drink your share of the whiskey!

Oh and by the way, maybe you should grow a set and tell your new boss to kiss your hind side cus your going hunting!
I'll be waiting for your call :)

Touche'

My division is quite busy, the rest of the company is not, so we have two "unpaid furrows" to take.

The 1st is T-day week and the other is X-mas week. I'll def. be hunting T-day week if you want to fly to NH? Just can't afford the extra expenses this year. I also have to fly out of town to attend my Uncle's funeral, just found out this morning:(


If you have to drag a monster by yourself I'll send you a gift card for a back rub from Ramone...
Ha-ha! :violin:

Good luck my friend

don't kill it.. wet a piece of towel or cloth with alcohol and cover it, it should slowly pull its head out... i tried it and it worked.. try this next time