2torial #0512: Learn2 Remove a Tick (Continued) Disinfect and dispose Once the tick is out, inspect it to determine if it's intact. If the head has broken off, either go deeper with the tweezers (and don't worry about crushing the remains), or make an appointment with a health-care provider to have the site professionally cleared and cleaned. Don't simply toss the tick in the trash. They're extremely tenacious beasts--even if you resorted to the alcohol drip, it's probably still alive. If you're concerned about the possibility of having contracted Lyme Disease (see Step 6) you'll want to preserve the tick for testing: placing it in a couple of nested zip closure-type sealing plastic bags or a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid will do the trick. If you're not going to have the tick analyzed for disease, then make sure it's permanently departed. Place it in a couple of layers of paper towels or tissue paper on a flat surface, then crush it by rolling a can or jar over it repeatedly. Finally, drop it in the toilet, to be flushed down with the next use. Swab the site of the bite thoroughly with an antiseptic, and try to keep it clean and dry for a while. If there's an irritation or itching sensation, apply calamine lotion. Step 5