Tick Bites

Ticks are small spiderlike animals (arachnids) that bite to fasten themselves onto the skin and feed on blood. Ticks live in the fur and feathers of many birds and animals. Tick bites occur most often during early spring to late summer and in areas where there are many wild animals and birds.

Some ticks carry disease that may cause serious health problems. It is important to remove a tick as soon as you find it. Using tweezers, try to remove the tick in one piece as close to the skin's surface as possible. Don't twist or jerk the tick because that can cause mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. If it is too difficult to remove all of the tick, leave it alone and let the skin heal.