The Tick Tool was designed by a team of inventors who recognized the need for a better way to remove and trap ticks from people and pets. The Tick Tool design team established several objectives for the product. They included:
- Easy to use
- One handed operation
- Ergonomically designed to comfortably fit in the user's hand
- Able to remove all tick species, including the very small Deer Tick
- The ability to securely capture the tick once it was removed from the patient
- Eliminate the need for the operator to touch the tick
Early tick removal may reduce the risk of infection of some tick-borne diseases. Follow the steps below to safely remove ticks from animals and humans:
- Insert the Tick Tool from behind and under the tick. Advance the V notch until it is in contact with the head of the tick and skin of the victim. Get as close the skin and possible. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
- Gently and slowly make a "scoop" motion, while lifting straight up.
- Close the collection spoon slide. This will prevent the tick from escaping.
- After removing the tick, wash your hands with soap and water (or waterless alcohol-based hand rubs when soap is not available). Clean the tick bite with an antiseptic such as iodine scrub, rubbing alcohol, or water containing detergents.
Watch for signs of illness such as bull's-eye rash, rash or fever, and see a health care provider if these develop.
