How do I remove household ticks?

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How do I remove household ticks? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the bite site with antiseptic. Dispose of the removed tick by submerging it in alcohol, sealing it in a disposable bag, or flushing it down the toilet.

How do I remove household ticks? - in detail
Ticks that have entered a residence require swift, systematic elimination to prevent disease transmission and further infestation.
The first step involves locating the parasites. Examine bedding, upholstered furniture, carpet seams, and pet sleeping areas. Use a bright flashlight and a fine-toothed comb to inspect fabric folds and crevices. If a tick is found, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and place the specimen in a sealed container for disposal.
The removal process can be broken down into clear actions:

Physical extraction

Position tweezers at the tick’s head, not the body.
Apply even force, avoiding crushing the abdomen.
Transfer the detached tick into a jar of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a freezer for at least 24 hours before disposal.

Environmental decontamination

Launder all removable fabrics (sheets, pillowcases, pet blankets) at ≥ 60 °C.
Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered surfaces thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
Steam‑clean hard floors and upholstery where feasible; high temperature kills remaining stages.

Chemical treatment (if infestation persists)

Apply an EPA‑registered acaricide according to label instructions, focusing on baseboards, under furniture, and pet bedding.
Ensure proper ventilation and keep occupants and pets away for the recommended period.

Preventive measures

Maintain a tidy indoor environment; reduce clutter that offers hiding places.
Trim vegetation around the building’s perimeter to limit tick migration.
Use tick‑preventive collars or topical treatments on pets; monitor animals regularly for attached parasites.

If after thorough cleaning and treatment live ticks continue to be discovered, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. Persistent infestations may indicate hidden colonies in wall voids or ducts, requiring specialized equipment and expertise.