How can I get rid of ticks on home clothing? - briefly
Wash garments in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes; heat kills attached ticks and their eggs. For items that cannot be heated, place them in a sealed bag with a pesticide‑treated sachet or freeze at –20 °C (–4 °F) for several days before laundering.
How can I get rid of ticks on home clothing? - in detail
Ticks that have attached to clothing can be removed safely and the garments can be decontaminated using a few proven steps.
First, isolate the infested items. Place the clothing in a sealed plastic bag and transport it to a laundry area where it will not cross‑contaminate other fabrics.
Second, apply heat. Wash the garments in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. Follow with a high‑temperature dryer cycle (≥130 °F) for 30 minutes. Heat at these levels kills all life stages of the parasite.
If the fabric cannot withstand high temperatures, use a chemical treatment:
- Soak the items in a solution of 1 % permethrin or a commercial insect‑killing detergent for 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Air‑dry in direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet radiation further reduces tick viability.
After washing, inspect each piece. Use a fine‑toothed comb or a lint roller to pick up any remaining specimens. Dispose of the comb or roller in a sealed bag.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation:
- Store clothing in airtight containers.
- Apply a long‑lasting repellent (e.g., permethrin spray) to outer layers of garments that are regularly exposed to tick habitats.
- Perform regular checks on clothing after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
Following this protocol eliminates ticks from household apparel and minimizes the risk of future encounters.