Removing TICS from Beardies

[Lollypop]

As the title suggests, what's the best way to totally & most painlessly remove a tic on the back of a bearded dragon?

 

[babba007]

I know with kids I have used a big blob of vaseline or dabbed on some Rid. This smothers them, then its just a matter of pulling it off with tweezers. Don't know if this would work on a Beardie, but I don't know why it wouldn't

 

[Lollypop]

Have tried butter & making it 'dizzy', which is what I did with the dogs, but not working. Will try yours babba - thanks.
Any other ideas out there? Is metho maybe a goer?

 

[JasonL]

Just pick them off with tweezers from the head (of the tick).

 

[babba007]

I have used metho too. Boy my kids have had lots of ticks !!
Used it on a brush tail possum too. It worked a treat.

 

[Lollypop]

Just pick them off with tweezers from the head (of the tick).

If not experienced at doing that, is there a risk of leaving the head in if well embedded?

 

[JasonL]

If not experienced at doing that, is there a risk of leaving the head in if well embedded?

not really, and it won't effect the lizard anyway... I have pulled heaps of ticks off myself and just do it with my fingers if I can, I once scratched one out of my head that got a bit sore for a week or so after but all was good in the end... Native animals handle ticks way better than we or our pets do. The real way of doing it is by either pulling the tick off with tweezers or sliding a butter knife under the tick and pushing it back with your thumb, being carful not to squeeze the abdomen.

 

[Lollypop]

thanks Jason

 

[Lollypop]

also thanks Babba again!
Wanted to also ask how long a tic can survive with no blood - eg, on a piece of wood. Or do they travel on live wild insects in order to survive?

 

[cement]

Grab the tick with tweezers and screw it anti clockwise. You will get the lot.

 

[Lollypop]

Thanks everyone. Got a bit messy, but out using tweezers in a not very graceful manner:lol:. (Also tried the vas halfway thru)

 

[thegatti]

I had to take one of a bluey. I just used my fingernails to pull it out. Wasn't easy but i got it!