When I grew up in back country of North San Diego County as kids we were continually out climbing the mountains. I remember mom routinely checking us for ticks when we came home. Back then if a tick was found embedded with its head in the skin we would use kerosene to remove it.
I recently came across a new way to remove ticks- both those that are newly attached and those that have been there for a day or two. Rub with one finger and moderate pressure around the tick, close enough to actually be touching it (local lore says to go counterclockwise). After 2 to 4 minutes, the tick will back completely out, head and all. This has worked on both western black-legged ticks and dog ticks.
Terry Pfau DO, HMD