How to detect a couch tick? - briefly
Inspect the fabric and cushions for tiny, reddish‑brown, oval parasites, focusing on seams, folds, and underneath covers, using a flashlight and magnifying glass. Run a lint roller or fine‑toothed comb over the area and examine the collected debris under magnification for the same characteristics.
How to detect a couch tick? - in detail
Detecting a couch tick requires a systematic visual examination and tactile assessment of the furniture surface. The insect is small, oval, and reddish‑brown, resembling a seed when unfed and expanding to a grayish, engorged shape after a blood meal. Its legs are short and hidden beneath the body, making it difficult to spot without close inspection.
Begin by removing all cushions, throws, and removable covers. Place each item on a light‑colored background and use a magnifying lens or a handheld microscope at 10–20× magnification. Scan the fabric for the characteristic elongated, dome‑shaped bodies. Pay special attention to seams, folds, and hidden pockets where ticks often hide.
Next, run a clean, white lint roller over the upholstery. The adhesive surface will capture any ticks that are present, allowing immediate identification. After rolling, examine the sticky sheet under the same magnification. Any captured specimen will appear as a distinct, rounded object attached to the adhesive.
If visual methods are insufficient, employ a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Set the suction to a low setting to avoid damaging the insects. Vacuum the entire couch, focusing on crevices and the underside of cushions. Immediately empty the canister into a sealed container and inspect the contents for ticks.
For a more precise approach, use a CO₂ bait trap. Place a small container of dry ice or a CO₂ cartridge inside a sealed bag placed under the couch. Ticks are attracted to carbon dioxide and will move toward the source. After a few hours, retrieve the bag and examine it for captured specimens.
Document findings with photographs taken against a neutral background. Record the location on the couch, the developmental stage (larva, nymph, adult), and any signs of engorgement. This data assists in assessing infestation severity and planning appropriate control measures.