The Pro-Tick Remedy® Tick Remover
The Pro-Tick has been a favorite tick remover of professionals and outdoor enthusiasts since its introduction in 1993. Besides its simplicity of use it has many advantages over any other device on the market and these facts have been proven during extensive testing at Ohio State University. The Pro-Tick Remedy® remains the only tick remover that can actually be carried in your wallet – simply remove the chain and magnifier.
Outstanding characteristics
- smallest and most convenient to carry, can even be carried in your wallet
- simple to use, almost intuitive (but read the instructions anyway – thanks)
- tempered steel construction, lasts indefinitely
- best performance of any tool tested
- reasonably priced with a lifetime guarantee
There have been three research studies conducted regarding tick removal that were published in peer review journals. There’s more to tick removal than just “popping” the tick out – the tick needs to be reviewed under a microscope to determine if the tick was removed complete and undamaged. The research conducted at Ohio State University was completed in an objective and through manner and the papers published accordingly. Here are the facts as published!
1. The initial study was to review the use of tweezers as opposed to folklore methods such as a hot match, Vaseline, nail polish etcetera. The tweezers won that contest but not impressively.
2. A study was conducted to evaluate 3 commercial tick removers against the tweezers for removal of the American Dog Tick, various life stages and engorgement levels – the tweezers lost by a wide margin.
3. The final study was again conducted to evaluate 3 commercial tick removers against tweezers for removal for removal of the Lone star Tick, various life stages and engorgement levels – again the tweezers lost by a wide margin.
Photo above : Actual removal of engorged nymph deer tick being removed with Pro-Tick Remedy®.
The Pro-Tick Remedy® tick remover successfully removed more than 50 American Dog Ticks and and was cited in the research as having removed all test ticks intact and without damage. It’s also worth noting that the ticks removed by Pro-Tick Remedy® tick remover had the most cement attached. Cement is a latex like adhesive that the tick uses to secure itself at the feeding site. If not removed the cement can be a point of irritation until it is absorbed by the body. Cement that does remain should not be cause for alarm since there are no reports of health issues with this substance, just discomfort. This test included the Pro-Tick Remedy® tick remover, two other tick removal tools and a tweezers. The Pro-Tick Remedy® was the resounding winner.
A second study was conducted and the test was expanded to include a different species of tick. The noteworthy addition of the Lone Star tick is important in that this aggressive tick has a longer mouthpart (like Deer tick), is a deeper feeder and is more difficult to remove. All tick removers tested showed very good performance with removal of the adult ticks and performed significantly better than did the tweezers. Tweezers only performed at a 4% success rate. The most dramatic results were not with the adult ticks but with the nymphs. These tiny immature ticks are the real culprits when it comes to disease transmission. They’re small, quite difficult to see and as a result feed for an extended time and full engorgement without being discovered.
When a nymph is discovered it must be removed immediately. The Pro-Tick Remedy® succeeded in removal of 72% of the nymph ticks it was tested on. Now . . . 72% is not 100% but then again it’s not the 4% success delivered by the tweezers. The Pro-Tick Remedy® tick remover performed better than any other tool tested at removal of nymph ticks. The overall conclusion was that tweezers should never be used for the removal of ticks.
The improved model now has a 5X magnifier, excellent instructions and information on protecting yourself from tick bite and, in the opinion of many experts, the best multi-species tick ID card available. With the addition of our tick identification tutorial (can be seen with links at the bottom of this page) the Pro-Tick Remedy® stands alone as the only tick removal tool offering important educational tick information.
Photo left : Actual adult deer tick (Black Legged Tick) after Pro-Tick Remedy removal.
Below are some advanced techniques that have been suggested by customers –
Advanced Using the Pro-Tick Remedy®– the Pro-Tick Remedy® can remove a tick even when you can’t see it? Yes, customers have reported and we have confirmed that if you can feel a tick (example in your hairline, back of neck or behind the knee) you can remove it unassisted with the Pro-Tick Remedy®. You will need to be able to reach the tick with both hands. Most people have what referred to a strong hand (used for writing etc) and a weak hand. Using the weak hand place a finger tip on top of the tick, with the Pro-Tick Remedy® located in the strong hand you can feel your way under the tick with the Pro-Tick Remedy®. Once you feel the tick is secured apply gentle lifting pressure and hold until released. Keeping the weak finger on the tick while lifting with the strong hand will keep the tick from rotating. This technique will take some practice, it’s not for everyone but in a pinch when you are alone without help . . . well it’s your choice. Note: you will read that touching a tick is just a crazy thing to do and should be avoided. If the tick is attached to someone else it’s a good idea to avoid touching it, (use a piece of tissue to contact the tick) but if it’s already attached to you and sucking your blood . . . the touching with a finger becomes irrelevant. Again it’s your choice!
Pro-Tick Remedy® is a registered trademark of SCS Ltd