We’ve created this page to be a one-stop resource to help you walk through the next steps of removing, identifying, and testing a tick as well as keeping an eye out for signs and symptoms of Lyme disease and, if needed, seeking medical assistance.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
Gather proper tick removal tools. ILC recommends using pointed tweezers, TickKey, or TickEase. DON’T use chemicals or heat (such as matches, alcohol, nail polish, petroleum jelly).
Read through our tick removal steps or watch these video demonstrations for how to remove the tick:
Learn about ticks in Indiana; only the blacklegged tick (deer tick) carries Lyme disease.
TickEncounter Resource Center Tick Spotters Program (“Know your tick, know your risk”): They provide free tick identification by email, usually within 24 hours, based on a quick photo of the tick that you upload on their website.
Download and print our Ticks of Indiana wallet card for easy reference.
Save the Tick and Get It Tested
If you’re wondering if you should or should not test, check out our tick testing page for more information about the tick testing debate.
There are several reputable tick testing labs, and ILC recommends the following labs: Tick Report and IGeneX.
Download our free printable PDF with early signs as a resource to keep on hand.
Seek Medical Attention and Be Your Own Advocate
Even if you do not find a tick in your bodily checks, that does not mean that there are none attached. Adult hard ticks are easier to spot and feel than smaller, nymphal ticks – which are about the size of a poppy seed.
Knowing the early signs and symptoms of a tick bite can be very important to get timely treatment before the infection has a chance to gain a foothold in your system.