How can clothing be treated for ticks at home? - briefly
Wash garments in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) for ten minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes to eliminate any ticks. For items that cannot be laundered, spray a 0.5% permethrin solution evenly and allow it to dry completely before wearing.
How can clothing be treated for ticks at home? - in detail
Treating garments for ticks at home requires a combination of heat, chemical agents, and proper handling to ensure all life stages are eliminated.
Wash the items in hot water. Set the washing machine to the highest temperature the fabric can tolerate, typically 60 °C (140 °F) or higher. Use a regular detergent; adding a small amount of bleach (5 %) can increase efficacy for white or colorfast fabrics.
Dry the clothing on the hottest setting. A dryer cycle of at least 30 minutes at 70 °C (158 °F) kills remaining ticks, including eggs. If a dryer is unavailable, lay the garments in direct sunlight for several hours, turning them frequently to expose all surfaces to heat.
Apply a synthetic pyrethroid such as permethrin when heat treatment is insufficient or when the fabric cannot withstand high temperatures. Follow these steps:
- Purchase a commercially prepared permethrin spray labeled for clothing.
- Place the garment on a clean surface in a well‑ventilated area.
- Evenly mist the fabric, covering both sides.
- Allow the spray to dry completely, usually 2–4 hours, before wearing or storing.
For items that cannot be laundered or heated, use a freezer method. Seal the clothing in a plastic bag and place it in a freezer set to –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least 72 hours. This temperature kills ticks at all developmental stages.
Safety considerations:
- Verify fabric care labels before applying heat or chemicals.
- Wear gloves when handling permethrin and avoid skin contact.
- Keep treated clothing away from children and pets until the product has fully dried.
- Store unused permethrin in a locked container out of reach.
By combining high‑temperature washing and drying, appropriate chemical treatment, and, when necessary, freezing, homeowners can reliably remove ticks from their clothing and reduce the risk of tick‑borne disease transmission.