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Best Tick Removal Tools for 2022

Your pets can be troubled by all sorts of pests, but ticks have to be up there with the worst of the bunch.

A tick is a tiny, spider-like bug that is found all over the UK. They can’t jump or fly but can stick to any surface which rubs past them. This includes dogs, cats, small animals or humans.

Ticks don’t only suck blood, but they can also carry infectious diseases. They are also easier than you’d imagine to pick up, and can soon affect other members of the family.

High-risk places to pick up ticks include grassy and wooded areas in southern and northern England and the Scottish Highlands. If your dog were to run through woodland or long grass, it could be relatively easy for a tick to latch on to them.

Lyme disease is spread by ticks and affects humans, and while not all ticks in the UK can carry the disease, it isn’t worth taking the risk. You can avoid picking up ticks by staying to clear, open paths where possible. You may have to keep your dog on a lead.

Many topical flea treatments also include tick protection, but you can’t rely on only one product to help.

Unfortunately, ticks can be difficult to remove, almost anchoring themselves to their host. So, if you want to do the job properly, you will need a dedicated tick removal tool to remove them. These can be used on both animals and humans, so it really is worth always having one to hand.

There are dozens out there, with some being a lot better than others, so we have weeded out the top tick removers.

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    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    Best Overall
    Frontline Petcare Universal Tick Remover
    Best Overall
    • Easy to use
    • Just the right size
    • Use on all sizes of tick
    		 Check Price
    Best Portable
    O'Tom Tick Remover
    Best Portable
    • Can be carried around
    • Small and large sizes
    • Great reviews
    		 Check Price
    Best Kit
    Beaphar Tick Removal Kit
    Best Kit
    • Makes removing ticks easier
    • Spray can be used on humans and animals
    		 Check Price

    The Top Tick Removers Reviewed

    Best Overall

    1.
    Frontline Petcare Universal Tick Remover

    Frontline Petcare Universal Tick Remover

    Able to fit all sizes of ticks, this remover tool can be used on both animals and humans which is great news if they have started to overrun your home.

    Just twist and lift, which will prevent you from squeezing the body of the tick (this squashing can actually spread disease in itself), or leaving the mouth part in the skin (which can cause reactions).

    It is a tweezer-style mechanism, which makes it really easy to use. The size of the tool also allows you to get a good grip on both the tweezers and the tick. As a bonus, there is a keyring hole on the end so it can be kept in a convenient place.

    Features

    • Easy to use
    • Just the right size
    • Use on all sizes of tick

    Specifications

    • Type: Tweezers
    Best Portable

    2.
    O'Tom Tick Remover

    O'Tom Tick Remover

    Designed to grab the tick at the exact point where its jaws connect to the skin, this tool can ensure a clean removal of the tick from your pet.

    Each purchase will include one small and one large tool, and the packet can be folded to become a handy transportable carry pack. These sizes mean it is the best purchase for anybody with a myriad of pets, from small hedgehogs to cats and dogs and up to horses.

    You can also bulk buy, so it is ideal if you own a rescue centre or holiday home. It causes no pain or discomfort to your animal and is a really handy product to have.

    Features

    • Can be carried around
    • Small and large sizes
    • Great reviews

    Specifications

    • Type:
    Best Kit

    3.
    Beaphar Tick Removal Kit

    Beaphar Tick Removal Kit

    While we don’t recommend using anti-tick treatments, instead just cutting straight to using the removal tool, this kit actually comes with a handy freezing spray.

    This acts immediately, making the tick really simple to remove straight away without the risk of it moving. This can also be used on people, so is a useful selection of items to take on dog walks or weekends away.

    The freezing spray will not affect your pet at all, nor will it cause issues with the tick’s entire removal.

    Features

    • Makes removing ticks easier
    • Spray can be used on humans and animals

    Specifications

    • Type: V-Shaped

    4.
    Lifesystems Tick Remover

    Lifesystems Tick Remover

    This credit card-shaped tool is good for ticks of various sizes, with two different sized removal tools.

    Because of its design, it is good for keeping in your purse or wallet or even just in your pocket on walks and runs. The magnifying section is good for seeing smaller critters, and it will work on both pets and humans.

    It could be difficult to get into smaller areas, so we would recommend also buying a small hook tool or similar.

    Features

    • Various sized tools
    • Magnifier

    Specifications

    • Type: Card

    5.
    Mikki Tick Picker

    Mikki Tick Picker

    Aside from being a tongue twister to say, this little tool is great for tick removal without damaging the skin.

    You just position the picker over the tick with the largest section of the picker. Lift the handle so that the narrower part of the picker is flat on the skin. Pull the picker slowly and firmly towards the tick so that it is safely unattached and removed.

    There is a hole at the other end of the picker, so you can attach it to a keyring or hang it up so it is always good to go. The size of this picker is a little bit smaller and more delicate than some others available, which is good for the smaller ticks or for use on smaller animals.

    We will say that because of the operation and size, it isn’t the easiest, so not great for frisky pets who won’t keep still.

    Features

    • Good for delicate removals
    • Small transportable size

    Specifications

    • Type: Hook

    6.
    Ancol Ergo Dog Tick Tool

    Ancol Ergo Dog Tick Tool

    Detaching the tick gently for a less stressful experience for your pet, this tool is great for those slightly more delicate removals.

    Simply place the loop around the tick and pull back until it is trapped in the smaller section of the hook, before lifting up gently and smoothly. Dispose of the tick in an appropriate manner.

    It is quick and painless for your pet too and is one of the best value tick removers on the market if you want something which isn’t necessarily long-term but will do a great job when needed. The wire is on the flimsier side though, so you have to be gentle to not bend it.

    Features

    • Good to grip
    • Handy keyring hole

    Specifications

    • Type: Hook

    Buying Guide

    Types Of Tick Removal Tool

    There are a few different designs out there. Which you choose may depend on what you feel most comfortable with, but you should use something which will go underneath the tick so as to not squeeze it.

    • Tweezers

    The style of these is pretty self-explanatory. You use them like you would a pair of human tweezers, pinching them until they are underneath the tick and then twisting and lifting it up. This should unhook the tick, as opposed to squeezing them which can be messy and cause further infection and disease spread.

    • V-Shaped

    These slot under the tick and will be best if you’re worried about the idea of pinching it. Place the wide end of the notch around the tick and slide the tool forward until the tick is caught in the smallest part of the notch.

    • Hooks

    These are smaller tools with a metal hook wire, which surrounds the tick. They’re great for getting into areas such as the groin. You pull backwards, trapping it into the smaller section, and lifting. They are good for more delicate removals and smaller animals who can get nervous, but be aware that the wire can be quite flimsy.

    • Cards

    These are ideal if you want to have something in your possession at all times, such as in a wallet or handbag. They usually feature multiple sized tools for the removal of different ticks from different areas but aren’t good for getting into more intimate areas like your pet’s armpits.

    Price

    You can buy a tick removal tool for well under £10, so we would definitely recommend having one to hand even before the threat of ticks is present. Those which are around the £10+ mark, however, will likely be stronger and last longer.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    Why do I need a tick removal tool?

    It is not recommended that you use something which can kill the tick before you remove it unless this is already in flea or worm treatment. Removing it without using topical treatment is more likely to work and completely put a stop to the issue.

    Trying to kill the tick with a liquid spray or spot-on can actually encourage the tick to inject the liquid back into the host animal before it dies, increasing the risk of localised infection or systemic disease, especially if it is engorged. The aim is also to remove it ASAP, not to wait for it to unhook.

    Diseases spread by ticks can include Lyme disease, so if you see a tick on your pet, you want to stop it coming into human contact too.

    Can I not just use tweezers?

    People do use human tweezers, but this is risky as you are more likely to pinch and squash the tick. As you will have read above, this can cause the blood from an engorged tick to spray over your pet, further spreading any diseases they were carrying. It can also cause their jaws to still remain clamped into your pet. You need to completely cleanly remove them.

    Will tick treatments prevent ticks?

    You may be wondering whether you need to buy one of these removal tools if your pet uses flea treatment with added anti-tick capability.

    While this should go a little way to stopping ticks hooking onto your pet, it won’t stop them actually getting onto your pet, and some can still cause damage or issues.

    Can I use the above on humans?

    Most are also fine to use on humans, yes. Obviously you will want to look for something gentle to use on your skin, so soft tweezers or V-shaped tools are likely best if you want to share with your pet.

    Help and Resources

    How To Remove A Tick From A Pet

    What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

    Kennel Cough In Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
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