Remove the tick promptly; the sooner you remove it, the less chance of infection. Use either a tick-removing device or fine-point tweezers. Do not squeeze the tick's body; grasp it where its mouth parts enter the skin and tug gently and repeatedly, until it releases its hold by withdrawing its barbed mouth part from your skin. Above all, be patient -- proper tick removal will take time.

Save the tick in a covered jar of alcohol labeled with the date, the body location of the bite, and the place where you think you acquired the tick. Wipe the bite area with antiseptic, or wash with soap and water. Call your local or State Board of Health if you want to have the tick identified.