The Right Way to Dispose of Ticks After Removal

1. Sealing in a Container – Place the tick in a small jar, vial, or sealed bag. You can add rubbing alcohol to ensure it dies.
2. Burning – Using a flame, such as from a lighter, will safely kill the tick. Exercise caution to avoid injury or fire hazards.
3. Double-Bagging – If placing in the trash, seal the tick in a bag within another bag to prevent it from escaping.
4. Professional Tick Testing – Some people save ticks for testing if there is concern about disease transmission. Place the tick in a sealed container with a damp paper towel and contact a local lab for instructions.

What Not to Do

• Don’t crush ticks with your fingers.
• Avoid flushing them down the toilet—they can survive in water.
• Don’t leave them exposed where pets or children can reach them.

Final Tips

After disposing of a tick, monitor the bite area for signs of infection or rash. If you develop fever, chills, fatigue, or unusual symptoms in the following days or weeks, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

Proper tick removal and disposal are simple steps that protect you, your family, and your pets from potentially serious illnesses.