Use a Match to Remove a Tick

Why the Match Method Is a Bad Idea

Finding a tick attached to your skin is unpleasant. These small parasites latch on and feed on blood, and some can carry infections such as Lyme disease. The urge to get rid of one quickly is understandable, but reaching for a match is not the answer.

The theory behind this old remedy goes like this: light a match, blow it out, then press the hot end against the tick's body. Supposedly, the heat irritates the tick, prompting it to reverse out of the skin on its own. You can then brush it away without any fuss.

The problem is that this method does not work reliably and may actually make things worse. A stressed tick can regurgitate its stomach contents back into the wound, which increases the risk of infection. You also risk burning your own skin in the process. The NHS advises against using heat, flame, or any substance to try to force a tick to detach.

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Other Removal Methods That Do Not Work

The match trick is not the only folk remedy still doing the rounds. Some people suggest smothering the tick with petroleum jelly, nail varnish, or alcohol to suffocate it. Others recommend freezing it off or applying essential oils.

None of these approaches are recommended. Like the match method, they stress the tick without removing it promptly. A tick that remains attached and agitated is more likely to transmit bacteria. The goal is to remove the tick as quickly and cleanly as possible, not to persuade it to leave in its own time.

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How to Remove a Tick Safely

The safest way to remove a tick is with a tick removal tool or a pair of fine tipped tweezers. These are widely available from pharmacies and outdoor shops across the UK.

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can, without squeezing its body. Pull upwards with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and stay in the skin. Once removed, clean the bite area with antiseptic or soap and water.

Current UK guidance suggests keeping the tick in a sealed container or plastic bag after removal. If you later develop symptoms, the tick can be tested to help with diagnosis.

If part of the tick does remain in the skin, do not panic. In most cases, the body will push it out naturally over time, much like a splinter. Keep the area clean and watch for any signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, or pus.

After removing a tick, it can be helpful to note the date and location of the bite. If you develop a circular rash, flu like symptoms, or joint pain in the following weeks, contact your GP. These can be signs of Lyme disease, which is treatable with antibiotics when caught early.

Where to Get Reliable Advice

The NHS website has clear guidance on tick removal and what symptoms to look out for afterwards. The UK Health Security Agency also provides information on tick awareness, particularly for people who spend time in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are common. Parts of southern and central England, the Scottish Highlands, and other rural regions have higher tick populations.

If you are unsure whether you have removed a tick properly, or if the bite area looks infected, speak to a pharmacist or GP. They can advise on whether any further treatment is needed.

Ticks are a nuisance, but they can usually be managed with the right approach. Skip the match, keep a removal tool handy if you spend time outdoors, and act quickly if you find one attached. That is the practical way to deal with them.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Mythology Quiz lets you test your knowledge of myths from different cultures with a personalised quiz. See how well you really know the ancient stories. Try it now →