In the event of a bite, remove the tick as soon as possible.
To remove a tick from the skin, use a tickscrew or fine tweezers, such as eyebrow tweezers. Avoid using your fingers or fingernails.
Steps to follow to remove a tick from you or your pet
- Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. It's important not to squeeze the tick's abdomen, as this increases the risk of transmitting the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
- Pull the tick gently, but firmly and continuously, without twisting or crushing it, to allow the whole tick to be removed without breaking it. If the head of the tick remains embedded in the skin, you can then gently remove it with the tweezers. If you're using a tick puller, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you can't remove the head, leave it in place and let the skin heal.
- Place the removed tick in an airtight container, such as an empty pill bottle. Indicate the part of the body that was bitten and the date the tick was removed, and store it in the refrigerator. The tick may be useful if you need to consult a health professional or veterinarian for your pet.
- After removing the tick, clean your skin with soap and water, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Recommendations after tick removal
Make a note of the date and place where you or your pet were stung. Also note the location of the bite on your or your pet's body. This information may be useful if you need to consult a health professional or veterinarian.
Call Info-Santé 811. The nurse will tell you if you need to consult a health professional. Depending on the assessment of the situation, an antibiotic may be prescribed as a preventive measure.
If you experience one or more of the symptoms of Lyme disease in the days, weeks or months following the bite, call Info-Santé 811 or see a doctor.
If you consult a health professional or veterinarian, take the tick with you.
The health professional or veterinarian may decide to have it analyzed. This information will be used to monitor the progression of ticks in Quebec.
To obtain information and recommendations regarding ticks on your pets, consult the page Lyme disease in animals.
Last update: July 9, 2024