How to get rid of a tick at home?

Understanding the Threat: Why Ticks Are Dangerous

Identifying Ticks and Their Bites

Types of Ticks Commonly Found in Homes

Ticks that appear inside residential environments belong to a limited set of species adapted to human dwellings or to pets that share the home. Understanding their distinguishing features aids identification and informs control measures.

Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) – Small, reddish‑brown body, dark scutum on the back. Frequently encountered in wooded yards, especially during spring and early summer. Transmits Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
Western black‑legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) – Similar size to the deer tick, with a darker, often mottled scutum. Found on the West Coast in leaf‑laden gardens. Can carry Lyme disease and Powassan virus.
Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) – Larger, brown‑orange body with a white‑marked scutum. Prefers sunny, grassy areas around foundations and sheds. Known vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) – Distinctive white spot on the dorsal scutum of adult females, otherwise reddish‑brown. Occupies suburban lawns and brushy edges. Associated with ehrlichiosis and Southern tick‑associated rash illness.
Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) – Dark brown, nearly spherical when engorged, thrives in warm indoor environments such as basements, closets, and kennels. Primarily feeds on dogs but may bite humans; capable of transmitting canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.

Each species exhibits a preferred microhabitat, seasonal activity pattern, and pathogen profile. Recognizing these traits enables targeted removal and preventive actions within the household.

Symptoms of a Tick-Borne Illness

Ticks can transmit bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause distinct clinical patterns. Recognizing these patterns promptly guides treatment and reduces complications.

Typical manifestations appear within days to weeks after a bite:

Fever or chills, often accompanied by sweating.
Localized redness or a circular rash (e.g., erythema migrans) that expands over several centimeters.
Persistent headache, sometimes with photophobia.
Muscle or joint pain, frequently described as aching or stiffness.
Fatigue or malaise that worsens despite rest.
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort in some infections.
Neurological signs such as facial palsy, tingling, or difficulty concentrating.
Cardiac involvement, including irregular heartbeat or chest pain, in severe cases.

The presence of a bullseye rash is a strong indicator of Lyme disease, whereas a rapid onset of high fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness suggests tick-borne encephalitis or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Early identification of these symptoms enables timely medical intervention, which is essential when attempting to remove a tick at home and prevent disease progression.

Immediate Actions After Discovering a Tick

Essential Tools for Tick Removal

Tweezers: The Preferred Method

Tweezers provide the most reliable means of extracting a tick without crushing its body. A firm grip on the head prevents the mouthparts from breaking off and remaining embedded in the skin, which reduces the risk of infection.

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers.
Apply steady, downward pressure; avoid twisting or jerking.
Pull straight upward until the tick releases its hold.
Inspect the site for any remaining parts; if fragments are visible, repeat the grip and removal.

After the tick is removed, cleanse the bite area with antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly. Monitor the site for redness, swelling, or a rash over the next several days; seek medical advice if symptoms develop.

To minimize future encounters, wear long sleeves, treat clothing with permethrin, and conduct regular body checks after outdoor activity.

Other Acceptable Tools and Their Usage

Fine‑tipped tweezers are the most common alternative to specialized tick removal devices. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After removal, disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic.

A tick removal hook, also called a tick key, features a narrow, curved tip that slides under the tick’s mouthparts. Position the hook beneath the tick, lift gently, and extract without crushing. This tool is useful for small or deeply embedded ticks where tweezers may slip.

Safety pins can serve as a makeshift hook when other instruments are unavailable. Bend the pin to create a small, angled tip, then follow the same lifting technique as with a commercial hook. Ensure the pin is sterilized before use.

Small, sharp scissors allow precise cutting of the tick’s legs if the body cannot be grasped. Cut the legs as close to the skin as possible, then pull the remaining portion upward with tweezers. This method reduces the risk of leaving mouthparts embedded.

Disposable gloves protect the handler from potential pathogens. Wear gloves throughout the procedure and discard them after use to prevent cross‑contamination.

A magnifying glass helps locate the tick’s attachment point, especially on hair‑covered areas. Use the glass to verify that the mouthparts have been fully removed after extraction.

All tools should be cleaned with soap and water, then disinfected with alcohol or bleach solution before and after each use. Proper disposal—placing the tick in a sealed container with alcohol—prevents accidental re‑attachment or spread of disease.

Step-by-Step Tick Removal Process

Preparing the Area

Before removing a tick, create a controlled workspace. Clear the immediate surface of clothing, bedding, or clutter that could interfere with the procedure. Disinfect the area with an alcohol‑based solution or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and allow it to dry. Arrange a flat, non‑slippery surface—such as a hard tabletop covered with a disposable paper towel—to keep the tick from escaping.

Gather necessary tools within arm’s reach: fine‑pointed tweezers, a small pair of forceps, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, and a sealed container (e.g., a zip‑lock bag) for specimen disposal. Position the tools on the prepared surface to minimize movement.

Ensure adequate illumination. A bright desk lamp or a headlamp provides clear visibility of the attachment site and reduces the risk of accidental puncture. If possible, use a magnifying aid to enhance detail.

Remove potential contaminants. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, then apply disposable gloves. Keep the gloves on throughout the process to prevent cross‑contamination.

Set up a disposal protocol. Place the sealed container nearby, ready to receive the tick after extraction. Include a small piece of alcohol‑soaked cotton in the container to kill the parasite promptly.

Finally, verify that the area remains undisturbed until the tick is fully removed and the workspace is cleaned again. Use a disinfectant wipe on the surface after disposal, then discard all disposable materials in a sealed trash bag. This preparation minimizes infection risk and ensures a safe, efficient removal.

Grasping the Tick Correctly

Grasping a tick firmly is the first step in safe removal. Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool; pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible without crushing its body. Apply steady, even pressure and pull upward in a straight line. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can leave mouthparts embedded.

Position the tweezers at the tick’s head, where the legs attach to the body.
Grip the head securely, ensuring the force is directed along the tick’s axis.
Maintain a constant pull until the entire organism separates from the skin.

After extraction, disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic solution and place the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed. Dispose of the specimen by flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a plastic bag before trash removal. Monitor the site for several days; seek medical advice if redness, swelling, or flu‑like symptoms develop.

Pulling the Tick Out

Removing a tick safely requires precision and prompt action. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Apply steady, upward pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can force mouthparts deeper into the tissue. Maintain traction until the entire organism detaches. After extraction, clean the bite area with antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly. Inspect the site for retained fragments; if any remain, repeat the removal process with the same technique. Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, sealing it in a plastic bag, or flushing it. Monitor the wound for signs of infection or rash over the next two weeks, and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.

Post-Removal Care

After extracting a tick, clean the bite site with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol. This reduces bacterial contamination and prepares the skin for healing.

Observe the area for the next 24‑48 hours. If redness expands, swelling increases, or pus appears, seek medical attention. Persistent itching or a rash resembling a target pattern may indicate a tick‑borne infection and requires prompt evaluation.

Maintain the wound by:

Re‑cleaning the site once daily with mild soap.
Re‑applying a thin layer of antiseptic ointment.
Covering with a sterile bandage if the skin is broken.

Record the date of removal and the tick’s appearance (size, engorgement). This information assists health professionals in assessing disease risk and determining whether prophylactic treatment is necessary.

What NOT to Do When Removing a Tick

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Petroleum Jelly or Nail Polish

Petroleum jelly and nail polish are two readily available substances that can facilitate the safe removal of a tick without specialized tools.

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the tick’s body and surrounding skin. The jelly creates a barrier that suffocates the parasite, prompting it to detach within a few minutes. After the tick loosens, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the tick to prevent mouthparts from remaining embedded.

If petroleum jelly is unavailable, a quick‑dry nail polish can achieve a similar effect. Brush a generous coat of clear or colored polish onto the tick, ensuring complete coverage. As the lacquer hardens, it immobilizes the legs and mouthparts, making extraction easier. Once the polish solidifies (approximately 30–60 seconds), use tweezers to lift the tick in a single motion.

Key considerations:

Perform the procedure on a clean surface; disinfect tweezers before and after use.
Do not apply heat, chemicals, or substances that may irritate the skin.
After removal, clean the bite area with mild soap and water, then apply an antiseptic.
Preserve the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed; otherwise, discard it safely.

Both methods rely on suffocation rather than chemical killing, reducing the risk of pathogen transmission during removal. Choose petroleum jelly for a slower, more controlled process, or nail polish for rapid immobilization when time is limited.

Applying Heat or Flame

Applying heat or flame is a rapid method for eliminating a tick that has attached to skin or clothing. Direct exposure to temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) destroys the parasite within seconds, making this technique effective when immediate removal is required.

When using a lighter, match, or candle, follow these steps:

Position the heat source a few centimeters from the tick without touching the skin.
Hold the flame for 2–3 seconds, ensuring the entire body of the tick is illuminated.
Immediately pull the dead tick straight out with fine tweezers, gripping close to the mouthparts.
Disinfect the bite area with antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly.

Safety precautions are essential:

Avoid direct contact between flame and skin to prevent burns.
Do not apply heat to ticks on sensitive areas such as the face, genitals, or near eyes.
Use a controlled, low‑flame device; open flames in confined spaces increase fire risk.
Keep flammable materials away from the work area.

If a flame is unavailable, a hot iron or a heated metal instrument can serve as an alternative. Heat the implement to a temperature that is uncomfortable to the touch, then press it briefly against the tick before removal. This method reduces the chance of the tick regurgitating pathogens into the host.

After the procedure, monitor the bite site for signs of infection or rash. Persistent redness, swelling, or flu‑like symptoms warrant medical evaluation.

Squeezing or Crushing the Tick's Body

Squeezing or crushing a tick’s body does not remove the parasite safely. The pressure applied to the abdomen forces saliva, gut contents, and potentially infectious agents back into the bite site. This increases the likelihood of disease transmission, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or babesiosis. Additionally, the broken exoskeleton can remain embedded in the skin, complicating extraction and causing local inflammation.

Risks associated with this method include:

Reintroduction of pathogens into the host’s bloodstream
Retention of mouthparts, leading to secondary infection
Difficulty locating and removing fragmented parts

Effective removal requires grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑tipped tweezers, pulling upward with steady, even pressure, and avoiding any compression of the body. After extraction, clean the area with antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly. Discard the tick by placing it in a sealed container or flushing it down the toilet; do not crush it in the palm.

Why These Methods Are Harmful

Removing a tick without professional assistance can tempt people to use quick fixes that pose health risks. Applying heat, such as a lit match or hot water, damages skin tissue and may drive the tick’s mouthparts deeper, increasing the chance of infection. Concentrated chemicals—including insecticide sprays, bleach, or alcohol applied directly—irritate the surrounding skin, cause chemical burns, and can be absorbed systemically, especially in children or pets. Petroleum‑based substances like petroleum jelly or oil are often spread over the tick to suffocate it; this method does not detach the parasite and can prolong attachment, raising the probability of pathogen transmission. Twisting or pulling the tick with excessive force frequently breaks the hypostome, leaving fragments embedded in the skin, which act as a nidus for local inflammation and bacterial invasion.

Potential harms of common home‑based techniques

Thermal injury – burns, blistering, and necrotic tissue from direct heat sources.
Chemical toxicity – dermatitis, systemic absorption, and allergic reactions from harsh solvents.
Incomplete removal – retained mouthparts, leading to secondary infection and prolonged pathogen exposure.
Delayed medical care – reliance on ineffective methods may postpone professional evaluation, allowing disease progression.

Choosing methods that avoid these hazards—such as using fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and applying steady, even pressure—reduces the risk of complications while effectively eliminating the parasite.

Aftercare and Monitoring for Complications

Cleaning the Bite Area

After a tick is detached, the skin around the attachment point requires prompt decontamination to reduce the risk of infection and irritation. Begin by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound. Apply a mild antiseptic—such as povidone‑iodine, chlorhexidine, or an alcohol‑based solution—directly to the bite site. Allow the antiseptic to remain for at least 30 seconds, then rinse with clean lukewarm water.

Dry the area gently with a disposable paper towel; avoid rubbing, which can reopen the puncture. If the skin appears reddened or swollen, apply a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin or mupirocin) to create a barrier against bacterial entry. Cover the cleaned spot with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing if the environment poses a contamination risk.

Monitor the area for the next 24–48 hours. Should redness expand, a fever develop, or a rash emerge, seek medical assessment promptly.

Key steps for cleaning the bite area

Wash hands thoroughly.
Apply antiseptic to the wound.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Pat dry with a disposable towel.
Use topical antibiotic if needed.
Protect with a sterile dressing when appropriate.

Disposing of the Tick Safely

Remove the tick from the skin using fine‑point tweezers, grasping as close to the bite site as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure, avoiding twisting or squeezing the body. After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container—such as a small zip‑lock bag, a screw‑top jar, or a disposable plastic wrap—ensuring no contact with other surfaces.

Dispose of the sealed container by one of the following methods:

Drop the sealed bag or jar into a household waste bin, then immediately place the bin’s lid on tightly.
If local regulations permit, place the sealed container in a designated hazardous‑waste collection pouch and hand it to the municipal waste service.
For immediate eradication, submerge the sealed bag in a container of rubbing alcohol (70 % or higher) for at least 10 minutes, then discard the alcohol‑filled bag with regular trash.

After disposal, clean the tweezers with soap and water or an alcohol wipe, then wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds. These steps prevent pathogen transmission and eliminate any risk of the tick re‑attaching or contaminating the environment.

Recognizing Symptoms of Infection

Localized Reactions at the Bite Site

When a tick attaches to skin, the bite site typically exhibits a rapid, localized response. Redness appears within minutes, often forming a small, circular halo around the puncture. Swelling may develop as fluid accumulates in the tissue, raising the skin surface by a few millimeters. Itching and mild pain accompany the inflammatory process, reflecting histamine release from mast cells.

Common manifestations include:

Erythema (bright red coloration) limited to a 1–2 cm radius
Edema that peaks within 12–24 hours and gradually subsides
Pruritus that intensifies after removal of the parasite
Tenderness when pressure is applied to the area

These signs usually resolve within a few days if the tick is promptly extracted and the wound is properly cared for. Immediate cleaning with soap and water or an antiseptic solution reduces bacterial colonization and limits secondary infection. Applying a cold compress for 10–15 minutes can diminish swelling and relieve discomfort.

If any of the following conditions arise, professional evaluation is warranted:

Expansion of redness beyond the initial margin, suggesting cellulitis
Persistent warmth, throbbing pain, or pus formation
Development of a target‑shaped rash (erythema migrans) indicating possible Lyme disease
Systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, or joint pain

Topical hydrocortisone 1 % or an oral antihistamine can control itching and mild inflammation. Avoid scratching, as it may introduce pathogens. Document the bite’s appearance and duration; this information assists clinicians in diagnosing tick‑borne illnesses should they occur.

Systemic Symptoms Indicating Illness

After extracting a tick, observe the whole body for signs that a disease may be developing. Systemic manifestations often appear before localized redness expands or before laboratory results become available.

Fever or chills exceeding 38 °C (100.4 °F)
Severe headache, especially if unrelieved by usual analgesics
Muscle or joint pain that intensifies or spreads
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
Unexplained fatigue or malaise lasting more than 24 hours
Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin

These symptoms typically emerge within a few days to two weeks after the bite. Their presence does not confirm a specific infection, but they signal the need for prompt medical evaluation. Delaying assessment increases the risk of complications such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or babesiosis.

If any of the listed signs occur, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Provide details about the bite, the estimated removal date, and the geographic area where the tick was encountered. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics or antiparasitic agents can prevent severe outcomes.

Removing the arthropod at home eliminates the immediate source of pathogen transmission, yet it does not eradicate microorganisms already introduced into the bloodstream. Continuous vigilance for systemic illness remains essential for safe recovery.

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

Persistent Redness or Swelling

Persistent redness or swelling after a tick bite often signals a localized inflammatory response. The skin around the attachment site may remain inflamed for several days, and the tissue can feel warm, tender, or firm. This reaction is usually harmless, but it can also indicate an early infection or an allergic response that requires prompt attention.

First‑line care focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing secondary infection:

Clean the area with mild soap and water; repeat twice daily.
Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes, three times a day, to lessen swelling.
Use an over‑the‑counter antihistamine (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg) to control itch and mild edema, following package directions.
Apply a thin layer of a topical corticosteroid (e.g., 1 % hydrocortisone) if redness persists beyond 48 hours, avoiding broken skin.
Keep the site covered with a sterile bandage only when necessary; remove it promptly to allow airflow.

Monitor the bite for the following warning signs, which merit medical evaluation:

Redness expanding beyond a 3‑inch radius or forming a crescent‑shaped rash.
Fever, chills, or malaise developing within a week.
Rapidly increasing swelling, pus, or foul odor.
Persistent pain or numbness in the affected limb.

If any of these symptoms appear, seek professional care without delay. Early treatment with antibiotics may be required for bacterial infection, while specific antimicrobial therapy is indicated for tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Fever, Rash, or Body Aches

After a tick is removed, watch for systemic signs that may indicate infection. Fever, skin eruptions, and generalized aches often appear within days to weeks and can signal early stages of tick‑borne illnesses.

Fever typically rises above 38 °C (100.4 °F). A rash may be flat, raised, or form a target‑shaped pattern. Body aches usually involve muscles and joints and may be diffuse or localized. The combination of these three symptoms warrants prompt evaluation, because conditions such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis can progress rapidly without treatment.

Record the date and location of the bite.
Measure temperature twice daily; note any rise above normal.
Inspect the bite area for new or expanding rash; photograph for reference.
Contact a healthcare provider if fever exceeds 38 °C, a rash develops, or aches persist beyond 24 hours.
Request laboratory testing for common tick‑borne pathogens; early antibiotics improve outcomes.

If medical care is delayed, supportive measures include hydration, acetaminophen for fever, and rest. Do not rely on over‑the‑counter remedies alone; definitive therapy requires diagnosis and, when indicated, targeted antimicrobial agents. Monitoring these symptoms closely after tick removal reduces the risk of severe complications.

Preventing Future Tick Infestations

Protecting Your Home Environment

Regular Yard Maintenance

Regular yard upkeep directly reduces tick habitats, limiting encounters for people and pets. By keeping grass short and removing debris, the environment becomes unsuitable for ticks to quest and reproduce.

Mowing the lawn to a height of 3‑4 inches eliminates the humid microclimate ticks need. Trimming shrubs and low‑lying vegetation opens sunlight, increasing ground temperature and drying conditions that suppress tick activity. Removing leaf litter, pine needles, and tall weeds eliminates shelter where ticks wait for hosts.

Clear tall grasses and brush along property edges.
Dispose of garden waste in sealed bags or compost bins that reach temperatures above 130 °F.
Apply a thin layer of wood chips or gravel to pathways and play areas.
Maintain a buffer zone of at least three feet between wooded sections and lawn, using mulch or stone to deter tick migration.
Conduct a quarterly inspection for wildlife nests and remove them when feasible.

Consistent implementation of these practices lowers tick density and provides a safer outdoor space without relying on chemical interventions.

Pest Control Measures

Effective tick removal requires a combination of immediate action and preventive strategies. First, isolate the infested area to prevent the arthropod from migrating to other surfaces. Use a pair of fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and discard the specimen in a sealed container. Clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution and monitor for signs of infection.

Preventive pest control measures include:

Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture; dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister promptly.
Wash bedding, pet blankets, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C) weekly.
Apply an EPA‑registered acaricide to pet sleeping areas, baseboards, and cracks in flooring; follow label instructions for concentration and re‑application intervals.
Maintain landscaping by trimming grass, removing leaf litter, and clearing tall vegetation around the home’s perimeter.
Install rodent traps or seal entry points to reduce wildlife hosts that carry ticks.

For pets, administer veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives such as topical spot‑on treatments, oral medications, or collars. Ensure pets are groomed frequently, and inspect their bodies after outdoor excursions.

Finally, schedule periodic professional inspections. Certified pest‑management operators can identify hidden infestations, recommend targeted treatments, and verify that control measures remain effective over time.

Personal Protection Strategies

Appropriate Clothing in Tick-Prone Areas

Wearing the right garments reduces the chance of ticks attaching to skin and simplifies removal if a bite occurs. Protective clothing creates a physical barrier, limits exposure, and makes ticks easier to spot.

Choose long‑sleeved shirts and long trousers; close to the body, they leave minimal skin uncovered.
Tuck shirt cuffs into pants and secure pant legs with elastic bands or clips to prevent ticks from crawling under clothing.
Prefer light‑colored fabrics; ticks are more visible against a pale background, allowing prompt detection.
Select tightly woven materials; loose weaves permit ticks to slip through.
Apply permethrin to outer clothing following label instructions; the insecticide remains effective through several washes.
Wear closed shoes and, when feasible, gaiters that cover the lower leg and ankle.

After outdoor activity, inspect clothing carefully. Remove and launder items in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat to kill any remaining ticks. Re‑treat garments with permethrin periodically, especially after multiple washes, to maintain protection.

Using Tick Repellents Effectively

Effective tick repellents are a primary tool for eliminating ticks that have entered a residence. Selecting a product with proven efficacy and applying it according to manufacturer instructions maximizes protection and reduces the chance of a bite.

Commonly recommended formulations include:

DEET‑based sprays (20‑30 % concentration) for skin application.
Permethrin‑treated clothing or fabrics (0.5 % concentration) for contact killing.
Oil‑based blends containing citronella, geraniol, or eucalyptus, approved for topical use.
Concentrated pet‑specific spot‑on treatments (e.g., fipronil) for animal hosts.

To use repellents correctly:

Clean the affected area with mild soap and water; dry thoroughly.
Apply the chosen repellent to exposed skin, avoiding eyes, mouth, and open wounds.
Treat clothing and footwear with permethrin spray; allow to dry before wearing.
Re‑apply to skin every 4–6 hours, or sooner if sweating or swimming occurs.
For pets, follow label dosage; apply directly to the mid‑neck region and massage gently.

Safety considerations:

Verify the product’s age‑appropriateness; children under two years require pediatric‑specific formulas.
Do not combine multiple chemical repellents on the same skin area.
Store containers in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Dispose of empty bottles according to local hazardous‑waste regulations.

Proper selection, precise application, and diligent maintenance ensure that tick repellents function as an effective barrier in a home environment.