Hi PC2K,

here in Germany the newest method to remove a tick is to use tick removal tools as Chris mentioned or tweezers. You should take hold of their head with those tools, turn them a little bit around (direction doesn't matter) to release their bite and pull them out slowly. If you use oil, glue or heat the tick will eject it's intestine contents directly into your blood. Then you maybe get meningitis or lyme disease. Some weeks ago here in German tv there was a reportage about a new way to handle the problem in the U.S.: They trap the animals infested by ticks and vaccinate them, so the ticks can't lay their eggs nor brood them. It is very successful!

Many greetings,

Sir Vivor