Tick Removal & Testing

Submitting a Tick

We will accept all ticks for identification but test only those Ixodes scapularis (deer) ticks that have ingested human blood (engorged). We will examine all ticks for degree of engorgement. Laboratory personnel will test engorged black-legged (deer) ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and, upon special request, certain other species of ticks for the presence of spirochetes that cause Lyme disease. We will not test the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), larval ticks of all species, or unengorged ticks.

Tick Removal & Testing Procedures:
Proper Tick Removal
  • With a fine point tweezer, grasp tick at place of attachment, as close to skin as possible 
  • Pull tick straight out - try not to squeeze the body 
  • If submitting for testing, place in plastic bag or small container - it does not need to be alive. 
  • Wash your hands, disinfect the tweezer, and the bite site - use rubbing alcohol 
  • Call your doctor for advice on treatment - about 25% of ticks are infected with Lyme Disease.

Submitting Ticks to the Torrington Area Health District for Testing
(This is a service for communities in the Torrington Area Health District only)

*There is a $10.00 Fee for submitting ticks to the CT Agricultural Experiment Station

Click HERE for the Tick Submission Form
​Be sure to include your email address!
Torrington Area Health District
350 Main Street, Suite A
Torrington, CT 06790-5000
(860) 489-0436  Fax  (860) 496-8243 
Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Wednesday 8:00am to 6:00pm.
​Friday 8:00am to 1:00pm.
TAHD provides local public health services for the towns of Bantam, Bethlehem, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, Middlebury, Morris, Norfolk, North Canaan, Plymouth, Salisbury, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Watertown & Winsted, Connecticut.
© 2021 Torrington Area Health District. All Rights Reserved.
The Torrington Area Health District is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.  If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html , or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form.  You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form.  Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@USDA.gov.