The most popular methods are passive and include applying ointments, ether, gasoline or petroleum so they will release their hold. He found that none of these methods initiated self detachment in adult lone star or American dog ticks. Confirmation of the failure of these methods was recently published. While there are chemicals that will initiate self-detachment, health risks are associated with the use of these chemicals and should not be used. Conclusion Timely detection and removal are the most important factors in avoiding tick-borne diseases.
Quick methods are therefore essential.
At least three new and novel tick removal devices are available to the general public that could serve this role. This laboratory study evaluated their worthiness for safe removal. Each of the three volunteers subjectively preferred a different tool. If one tool feels better in the hands of the user it will most likely perform better. We advocate immediate removal using any of the three commercial tools over medium-tipped tweezers since tweezers were ineffective for removing nymphs.