Use a barrier between you and the tick. (tissue, tweezers, gloves, hemostats, commercially available tick removing tools) Firmly grasp the tick near the head and body, pull with gradually increasing pressure until the tick pops off. Dispose of the tick in the toilet or crush the body before throwing it in the trash. If some of the head or mouth pieces are still in the skin, the body should expel them like a splinter. Set up an appointment if the site becomes red and inflamed. * Thanks to kitty Sharif for being a good sport!