How to get rid of household ticks? - briefly
Remove ticks by vacuuming all floors and upholstery, washing bedding and curtains in hot water, and applying a registered acaricide to cracks, baseboards, and pet areas; then seal entry points and keep humidity low to prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of household ticks? - in detail
Ticks that have entered a residence require a systematic approach to eradicate them and prevent re‑infestation. The process begins with identification, continues with immediate removal, and ends with long‑term control measures.
First, locate all areas where ticks may hide. Inspect bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, pet bedding, and cracks in flooring or walls. Use a flashlight to examine dark corners and seams. For pets, conduct a thorough grooming session, checking ears, neck, and between toes.
Next, eliminate the insects present:
- Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
- Wash linens, curtains, and pet blankets in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor tick control to baseboards, under furniture, and in crevices. Follow label directions regarding concentration, application method, and safety precautions.
- Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved acaricide, adhering to the recommended dosage and schedule.
After the initial purge, establish preventive barriers:
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations to block entry points.
- Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) in storage areas, as ticks thrive in moist environments.
- Use indoor traps that contain carbon dioxide or heat sources to attract and capture stray ticks.
- Schedule quarterly inspections and repeat vacuuming and laundering cycles to catch any survivors.
Finally, monitor for signs of re‑infestation. Place sticky traps in high‑risk zones and examine pets weekly. If tick activity persists despite these measures, consult a professional pest‑control service for a targeted treatment plan.