Correct tick removal using a tool

There are a number of tick-removal tools on the market all over the world. All claim to be safe and efficient but this may not always be the case. The most important aspects of tick removal are:

  • The mouth parts of the tick should be cleanly removed along with the rest of its body.
  • The body of the tick must not be compressed.
  • The tick should not be stressed or injured, because this can cause it to regurgitate its blood meal along with any infective organisms.
  • The tick should be removed without causing the host any discomfort.

As an independent organisation, BADA-UK is not affiliated with the manufacturers of any tick-removal products. BADA-UK has reviewed a number of devices that are available in the UK and through studies, and our own experience, one product has proved its efficiency.

The O'Tom Tick Twister is favoured by professionals (veterinary, medical, forestry and field workers etc), as well as by members of the general public.

In a comparison study of four different tick-removal devices, published in the Veterinary Record (2006, 159, 526-529), the O'Tom Tick Twister was compared with surgical forceps, a pen-tweezer device, and a tempered steel tool (slit and traction action). The O'Tom Tick Twister proved to be significantly better than the other devices for the time required to remove the tick, the ease with which the tick was grabbed, the force needed to extract the tick, the reaction of the animal and the condition of the tick's mouth parts.

New window: Further information on the tick twister

Tick Prevention Week is organised by BADA-UK (Borreliosis & Associated Diseases Awareness UK) BADA-UK

Registered charity No.1113329, England and Wales, Registered charity No.SC038414 Scotland.