If you can pull the head off the tick - regardless of how you do it - it kills them; just need the head off! I have picked off 2 tiniest little ticks ever seen - htey look like if you scratch off a scab and it has the black spot very small in size and believe it or not - it is a baby tick; not even the size of a pin head... not good... I constantly check myself after having been outside, but yes, i've had them on me after a shower - fresh clothes, and the works too - so ????? this is a super bad year - we all need to take special care...