Tick Tips: How to Use the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover on People and Pets

If you’ve been with us for a while, then you know we don’t mess around with bug bites. Our founder, Kelley Higney, adores the outdoors and wanted everyone to be able to experience time in nature without worrying about the itching, scratching and pain that comes when a pest decides to make you into a meal.

That’s why, after helping millions of people around the world experience relief from insect bites and stings with help from the original Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool, we aimed to tackle another big bug issue: ticks.

Ticks are arachnids – not insects – and affect humans and animals in different ways than bees, mosquitoes, ants and other six-legged bugs. We launched the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover this summer to give our communities a safe and effective treatment, not only to stop the irritation, but also to lessen the risk of tick-borne diseases, like Lyme Disease. It stays in line with reusable, chemical-free options for our customers, plus protects their furry friends, too.

So, what makes the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover different from other products and how does it work?

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tick Remover

The best way to deal with ticks is ideally prevention, but let’s face it, preparation does not always equal perfection.

If you know you’ll be in an area where you will be exposed to ticks, it is good to choose clothing that covers as much of your body as possible, which includes tucking in your shirt and pulling socks up over pant legs, whenever possible. In cases where one sneaks through, don’t worry, the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover has your back … and arms and legs, too.

As the only patented, two-sided and fine-tipped tweezers created expressly for the removal of embedded ticks, it’s also easy to use. It meets CDC guidelines and safely removes embedded ticks of all sizes, types and levels of engorgement from both people and pets.

Here are some simple steps for using it to treat tick bites and preventing tick-borne illnesses for adults and children … plus your pets!

1. Treating a tick bite starts with knowing you have one!

If you or your family spend time outdoors, perform a tick check when you come inside. This includes looking at skin and clothing and paying special attention to areas you may not immediately notice, such as the scalp, in or around the ears, behind the knees and at the waist. Ticks are especially drawn to dark, moist areas. Using a hand-held or full-length mirror can help if you are checking yourself.

If you have a dog, cat or other pet, examine them thoroughly from tail to nose—daily. Animals can’t tell you how they are feeling, so they rely on you! Especially check areas that may not be seen at first glance, such as the neck, ears, eyelids, toes and at the base of their legs. Searching is made easier by separating the fur and examining the skin. Visit our How It Works page for more info on checking yourself and your pets for ticks.

2. Find a tick? Gauge its size.

If you find a tick, determine which side of the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover to use by estimating its size. Some ticks can be the size of a sesame seed or grain of sand, making them difficult to find, whereas others are more obvious. The fine-tipped tweezers are ideal for removing small ticks and the slotted scoop is better for large ticks.

3. Get a hold of the tick quickly but carefully.

Tick-borne illnesses are more likely to occur the longer a tick is embedded, so it is important to remove them promptly, but it requires proper care to do it correctly. For small ticks, grip the tick close to the skin’s surface with the tweezers. For large ticks, place the slotted scoop against the skin, sliding it under the tick’s mouth parts. No matter which side you are using, get as close to the skin with the tool as possible. You can pull the skin taut with your fingers to help.

4. Pull out the tick with one steady motion.

Now that you have the tick steady with the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover, it is time to pull it out. Whether you are using the tweezer side or the slotted scoop, pull upward with steady, even pressure. Never twist or jerk the tick out, which can cause part of it to break off. If part of the tick remains embedded, however, do not panic; use tweezers to remove the mouth parts.

5. Optional: Use the original Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool on the affected area.

Once the tick is removed, you may use our suction tool (sold separately) to help remove any remaining irritants left in your skin. You can follow our how-to-use guide here for more information and tips.

6. Clean the bite area and Bug Bite Thing tools.

Next, thoroughly clean the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol wipe. Once you are finished caring for yourself or a loved one, clean the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover with rubbing alcohol and the Suction Tool cap with soap and water or alcohol to keep it sanitary for the next use. It also helps to store the tools in a travel bag as your tick kit, making it convenient to move between a home first aid kit and on-the-go adventures.

A few extra notes of caution when using the Tick Remover on both people and pets: 

• Although it’s simple to use, it’s important to keep the Tick Remover out of reach from children, who should always be under adult supervision when this the tool in use, as it has sharp edges.
  
  
• If a person or pet becomes sick or develops a rash or fever following a tick bite, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Hopefully this post portrays how easy it is to protect your skin while enjoying the outdoors. To feel more confident along your hikes, camping trips and backyard hangs, get a Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover today.