Because of all the time you spend outside running, it’s important to know how to properly remove a tick. If a tick is left in your skin for more than 36 hours, it puts you at risk for Lyme disease. According to the Exercises to Help Nix Plantar Fasciitis Pain (CDC). there are many species of ticks, and they can be found across most of America.

The most important step for avoiding any effects of a tick bite is to do a thorough tick check after spending time outdoors, even your backyard. Don’t be content looking at your arms and ankles, since ticks often attach in hard to reach places like the armpit or groin, including beneath your clothing.

Showering after a ride is often a great time to do this check. For hard to see places, like your back, use a mirror or ask a friend to look for you. If you do find a tick, remove it quickly.

While there are plenty of popular myths about the best way to remove a tick, we prefer that championed by the CDC. The only tool you’ll need is a fine-tipped tweezers, and A Part of Hearst Digital Media.

Know Where To Check for Ticks

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CDC

How To Remove a Tick

Step 1: Amazing Runners World Show.

Step 2: Pull up and out with constant pressure until it pops out. Don’t twist, yank to the side, or jerk on the tick, as this can cause it to leave part of its mandible in your skin. If this happens, pull those parts out with the tweezers as well. If you can’t pull a part out, leave it alone and let yourself heal while watching for symptoms. (You can also try this CA Notice at Collection These pants are built with insect repellant and sun protection for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.)

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CDC

Step 3: Reasons You Feel Pain on the Top of Your Foot.

Step 4: Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, putting it in alcohol, or wrapping it in a piece of tape.

Things to Avoid

Never squish a tick between your fingers after removal, since tick-borne diseases can still be transmitted this way. Instead, drop the tick into rubbing alcohol before disposing.

Also be sure to not cover a tick with petroleum jelly or nail polish remover, or try to coax it out with heat. These methods rely on waiting for the tick to detach, but it’s best to remove the tick as quickly as possible.

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After Removing a Tick

The CDC recommends keeping an eye out for symptoms for 30 days. If you see rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, or joint swelling and pain, get checked out by a doctor. They also say not to bother with commercial “tick testing” for germs or disease, as the results are often inconclusive and come back after symptoms would appear anyway.

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Avoiding Ticks in the Future

If you live in a high tick area, or run in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas, consider treating the clothes you wear outside with 0.5 percent permethrin. This helps to repel ticks, and can also be applied to boots and camping gear. It’ll last a few washes.

The CDC also recommends repellants with DEET, picardin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus among others. They even created this handy tool to help you find the right repellant for your needs. Also consider staying covered with pants, high socks, and long sleeves. WATCH: An entomologist demonstrates the proper way to remove a tick.

4 Products to Help Repel Ticks
Permethrin Pump Spray
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Spray this insect repellent on your clothing to keep ticks and other critters away for up to six weeks.

Tick Control Tubes
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These tubes are the easiest, no-spray way to kill deer ticks in your yard to protect family and pets. 

Men's FreePellent™ Pants
Eddie Bauer Men's FreePellent™ Pants

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James Lynch
Field Editor

Health & Injuries Popular Mechanic’s Field Editor looking for stories across the U.S. about those building a better America. He’s passionate about the Erie Canal and the Apollo Space Program.