How to get rid of ticks in an apartment using home remedies? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister, and wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Apply a thin layer of food‑grade diatomaceous earth to floor surfaces and corners, and mist a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or a few drops of peppermint oil to repel any remaining ticks.
How to get rid of ticks in an apartment using home remedies? - in detail
Ticks can survive in dry indoor environments if they find a suitable host or hiding place. Eliminating them requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, physical removal, and natural deterrents.
Begin by removing clutter where ticks may hide: discard cardboard boxes, piles of laundry, and unused fabrics. Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable furniture covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of the parasite.
Vacuum every floor surface, carpet, and upholstery thoroughly. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to capture eggs and larvae. After each session, seal the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the dwelling.
Apply diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) to carpet edges, baseboards, and under furniture. Sprinkle a thin layer, let it sit for 24 hours, then vacuum. The fine silica particles desiccate the arthropods without harming humans or pets when used as directed.
Prepare a natural spray by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, adding a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil. Transfer to a spray bottle and mist directly onto infested areas, cracks, and crevices. Essential oils act as repellents; reapply every 48 hours.
For persistent infestations, spread a thin line of coarse salt along baseboards and door thresholds. Salt absorbs moisture from the tick’s exoskeleton, causing death within several hours. Sweep up excess salt after 12 hours and vacuum the area.
Inspect and treat any pets that have access to the apartment. Use a veterinarian‑approved tick collar or topical solution. Regular grooming and bath with a mild soap reduces the chance of re‑introduction.
Seal gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrations with caulk or weather stripping. Preventing entry eliminates new sources of infestation.
If after two weeks of these measures live ticks are still observed, consider contacting a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted treatment, as indoor infestations can sometimes require specialized interventions.