For decades, Australian parents were told to pull an attached tick out with tweezers, as quickly as possible. Health authorities now say that advice can be dangerous. The correct method is simple, takes only a few minutes, and could prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction in your child.

The correct method: freeze the tick, let it drop off on its own, then clean and monitor the bite — never pull it out live.

Why the Old Advice Is Dangerous

Grabbing a live, attached tick with tweezers or your fingers and pulling it out squeezes the tick’s body. According to the National Allergy Council and ASCIA, this can inject more allergen-containing saliva into the bite, increasing the risk of a severe allergic reaction — including anaphylaxis — in people who are sensitised to tick bites. It’s a particular risk in Australia, which has some of the highest rates of tick allergy in the world.

This is true even if the tick is already dead. Household tweezers and “quick yank” methods remain risky because they still compress the tick’s body against the skin.

“Freeze It, Don’t Squeeze It”: The Correct Method

Health authorities including ASCIA and Healthdirect recommend freezing an attached tick in place with an ether-containing spray, available from pharmacies, rather than pulling it out. The correct technique:

• Hold the nozzle of the freezing spray about 1cm above the tick.
• Spray the tick five times.
• Check the tick with a magnifying glass — it should stop moving.
• If it’s still moving, spray five more times.
• Let the dead tick drop off on its own — do not pull it out, even once it’s dead.
• Wash the bite site with soap and water.

Why Household Tweezers Are Still a Bad Idea — Even on a Dead Tick

It’s tempting to reach for tweezers once the tick has stopped moving, but health guidance is clear: don’t pull. Even a dead tick’s body can still release allergen if compressed and pulled through the skin. Letting it drop off naturally, once it’s no longer alive, is the safest option.

No Freezing Spray on Hand? Here’s What To Do

If you don’t have an ether-containing freezing spray available, the safest option is to see a doctor, pharmacist or nurse for removal — particularly for a child, or if there’s any known allergy risk. Avoid home remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish, heat, or alcohol, as these methods are not recommended and can agitate the tick rather than safely immobilising it.

If You or Your Child Has a Tick Allergy

If you or your child has a known tick allergy and is bitten, follow your ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis if you have one. If signs of a serious allergic reaction appear — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or widespread hives — call 000 immediately and use an adrenaline autoinjector (such as an EpiPen) if prescribed. While waiting for help, lie flat or sit with legs outstretched if breathing is difficult; do not stand or walk.

After the Tick Is Removed

Once the tick has dropped off and the bite site is cleaned, keep an eye on the area over the following weeks. Seek medical advice if you notice a growing rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, or if a new allergy to red meat or other mammalian products develops after the bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why shouldn’t I use tweezers to remove a tick?

Pulling a tick out, even with tweezers, can squeeze its body and inject more allergen into the bite, increasing the risk of a serious allergic reaction. This applies even to a tick that’s already dead.

What is the correct way to remove a tick in Australia?

Health authorities recommend freezing the tick in place with an ether-containing spray — spray it five times from about 1cm away, check with a magnifying glass that it has stopped moving, spray again if needed, then let it drop off on its own before washing the area.

What if I don’t have a tick freezing spray?

See a doctor, pharmacist or nurse for removal, especially for children or anyone with a known tick allergy. Avoid home remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish or heat.

What should I do if my child has a known tick allergy and is bitten?

Follow your ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. If there are signs of a serious reaction, call 000 immediately and use an adrenaline autoinjector if prescribed, keeping the person lying down or sitting with legs outstretched.

Can a dead tick still cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Compressing and pulling a dead tick’s body can still release allergen into the bite site, so it should still be left to drop off rather than pulled out.