How to combat ticks at home? - briefly
Use a vacuum cleaner on carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding, then immediately discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container; follow with a thorough wash of all linens in hot water. Apply a tick‑specific acaricide spray or powder to cracks, baseboards, and outdoor entry points, re‑treating after two weeks to interrupt the life cycle.
How to combat ticks at home? - in detail
Ticks can survive on indoor surfaces for several weeks, so regular inspection is the first line of defense. Check floorboards, baseboards, under furniture, and pet bedding for small, dark specks. Use a flashlight to improve visibility.
Maintain a clean environment. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery daily; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all linens, curtains, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Remove clutter that provides hiding places, such as piles of magazines, boxes, or unused clothing.
Apply targeted acaricide treatments where ticks are likely to congregate. Follow label instructions, wear protective gloves, and keep children and pets away until the product dries. For households preferring low‑chemical options, consider:
- Diatomaceous earth spread thinly on floors and pet areas; reapply after cleaning.
- Sprays containing essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, rosemary) at concentrations proven effective against ticks.
- Boric acid powder applied to cracks and crevices, avoiding direct contact with skin.
Treat pets promptly, as they often transport ticks indoors. Use veterinarian‑approved spot‑on treatments, oral medications, or tick collars. Groom animals daily, checking ears, neck, and underbelly for attached ticks and removing them with fine‑tipped tweezers.
Seal entry points to limit outdoor tick migration. Install weather‑stripping on doors, repair torn screens, and fill gaps around pipes and baseboards with caulk. Reduce outdoor habitats near the home by trimming grass, removing leaf litter, and keeping woodpiles elevated and distant from walls.
Monitor the situation with sticky traps placed near baseboards and under furniture. Replace traps weekly and record any captures to assess the effectiveness of control measures.
If infestations persist after thorough domestic actions, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. Request an integrated pest‑management plan that combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental strategies tailored to the specific tick species present.