Ticks

Ticks give me the heeby-jeebies.  I'm pretty sure it's because they latch on to your skin and then suck your blood.  (Shudder!)

Today was our First Aid Training and CPR refresher at work.  One part of the first aid DVD talked about how to treat someone who has been bitten by a tick.  The video said to grab the tick as close to his head as possible (shudder!) and pull until your skin is taut.  At this point, wait about 5 seconds and the little tick will actually let go!  Our first aid trainer paused the DVD and said this happens, and I believe this number is a direct quote, "99.999999999%" of the time.  He said there's something about the gentle tug and then pulling your skin tight that they don't like and want to let go in order to have another bite.  Well, too bad, sooo sad for Mr. Tick!!!

He dispelled all the old wives' tales...

Do not spray them with hairspray!
Do not put petroleum jelly on them!
Do not burn them!

And would you like to know why it's not advisable to kill the tick before/during removal?  It's gross but I am going to tell you because I had to sit there and endure learning this truth...

Just like with humans and animals, when ticks (and other insects) die, they vomit.  The tick will vomit whatever he's sucked/ingested back in to your body.

Is that not the grossest thing you've ever heard?  Well, maybe not THE GROSSEST...but you have to admit, it's pretty close.

Ticks are just disgusting.

The end.