Comments on various removal instruments are provided. The list is not comprehensive. Each has advantages and disadvantages but availability will be the most common limitation. TAGS has not made any evaluation that objectively compares the efficacy and safety of these instruments. Dr W Burgdorfer, however, has evaluated 3 of these tick removers for North American ticks (see article on Ohio State University website).
| Device Type | Appearance | Comments | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| fine tweezers - curved |
|
Requires firm pressure close to the tick. Needs to be fine to ensure body of tick is not compressed. | Generic. |
| fine tweezers - straight | |
Requires firm pressure close to the tick. Needs to be fine to ensure body of tick is not compressed. Being straight, it can sometimes be difficult to get under the tick's body. | Generic. |
| tissue forceps - Allis type | |
Provides a strong grip. If tick is very engorged the tick's body might be compressed. Excess pressure might sever the tick's mouthparts. | Generic. |
| haemostatic forceps - fine curved | |
Provides a strong grip but the width of the forceps' jaws may make it difficult to get under the tick's body. | Generic. |
| tweezers with wide arches |
|
Good when swelling of skin. Excess pressure might sever the tick's mouthparts. | Generic |
| tick hook | |
Also known as a 'tick twister' because once the tick is firmly held by the narrow part of the fork, a twisting action is recommended by the manufacturer. Sold by some Australian veterinarians for removing ticks on pets. | See Otom.com. A French tick remover. Two sizes to allow for both large and small ticks. |
| loop of string | |
No comment. | See Tickremover.com. The 'Trix' is a Swedish tick remover. |
| notched scoop | |
No comment. | See Ticked Off homepage. A North American tick remover. |
| double scoop | |
No comment. | See Tick-X homepage. A North American tick remover. |
| pliers |
|
No comment. | See Bites and Stings Online. A North American tick remover. "Unique cradle head Tick Nipper Plier is great for people and pets. Safe and easy to use. 20x lens confirms complete tick removal, and plier secures tick for identification and disposal." |
| wedge tweezers |
|
No comment. | Dr Websters Tick remover. A North American tick remover. See Tickremovers.com. |
| pointed rotating tweezers |
|
Pointed tips can make it difficult to achieve a good grip on adult Australian paralysis tick. | See Gent Trade AB. A Swedish tick remover. |