How should a suit be treated for ticks? - briefly
Remove attached ticks using fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure; then wash the suit in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure all parasites are eliminated.
How should a suit be treated for ticks? - in detail
Treating a suit for ticks requires prompt removal, thorough cleaning, and preventive measures.
First, isolate the garment to prevent ticks from spreading to other clothing or surfaces. Place the suit in a sealed plastic bag and transport it to a well‑ventilated area away from pets and children.
Second, eliminate any attached ticks. Use fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the fabric as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure, avoiding twisting. After removal, place the tick in a sealed container for proper disposal or testing.
Third, clean the suit according to its fabric specifications:
- Machine‑washable items: Use the hottest water temperature allowed by the care label, add a small amount of laundry detergent, and run a full cycle. Follow with a high‑heat dryer setting if the fabric tolerates it.
- Dry‑clean‑only items: Transfer the suit to a reputable dry‑cleaner and explicitly request treatment for ectoparasites. Some facilities use specialized solvents that kill ticks without damaging delicate fibers.
- Delicate or structured pieces (e.g., wool, silk, suit jackets): Spot‑clean with a mild detergent solution, then steam the garment at temperatures above 130 °F (54 °C) to kill any remaining parasites. Use a garment steamer or professional pressing equipment.
Fourth, disinfect the storage environment. Vacuum the closet, wipe shelves with an EPA‑approved disinfectant, and allow the area to dry completely before returning the suit.
Fifth, implement preventive actions for future outings:
- Wear long sleeves and trousers treated with permethrin when entering tick‑infested areas.
- Perform regular body checks after exposure and remove ticks promptly.
- Store suits in sealed garment bags with a tick‑repellent sachet (e.g., cedar or lavender) to deter future infestations.
By following removal, cleaning, disinfection, and prevention steps, a suit can be restored to a tick‑free condition and remain protected against subsequent encounters.