How to treat a house for ticks using home methods? - briefly
Begin by vacuuming floors, carpets, and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed trash container. Apply diatomaceous earth to cracks and crevices, spray a 10 % tea‑tree oil solution on surfaces, and launder all bedding and fabrics in hot water to eradicate any remaining ticks.
How to treat a house for ticks using home methods? - in detail
Ticks can survive in homes, especially in carpet, upholstery, pet bedding, and cracks near windows or doors. Effective removal relies on thorough cleaning, environmental control, and natural deterrents.
Begin with a systematic inspection. Use a bright flashlight to examine baseboards, under furniture, and behind wall hangings. Focus on areas where pets rest. Remove any visible ticks with tweezers, grasping close to the body and pulling straight out.
Next, eliminate potential habitats:
- Vacuum all carpeted floors, rugs, and upholstery. Operate the vacuum slowly, overlapping passes. After each session, seal the bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors.
- Wash pet bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery. Steam at 212 °F (100 °C) for a minimum of 10 minutes per area; the heat kills ticks and their eggs.
- Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth on floor seams, under furniture, and in cracks. Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Reapply after cleaning cycles.
Control humidity and temperature, which affect tick survival:
- Keep indoor relative humidity below 50 % using dehumidifiers.
- Maintain indoor temperature between 68–72 °F (20–22 °C); extreme heat or cold can reduce tick populations.
Seal entry points to prevent re‑infestation:
- Apply caulk around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
Deploy natural repellents:
- Mix 10 ml (2 tsp) of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil with 1 L of water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist carpets, pet bedding, and hidden corners. Reapply weekly.
- Place sachets of dried rosemary, peppermint, or cedar chips in closets and under furniture. Replace every 2–3 months.
Treat pets, as they are primary carriers:
- Use veterinarian‑approved spot‑on treatments or oral medications that kill ticks on contact.
- Bathe pets with a mild soap solution, focusing on the neck, ears, and between toes, then dry completely.
Finally, schedule routine maintenance:
- Vacuum weekly and wash textiles monthly.
- Re‑inspect hidden areas biweekly for the first two months, then monthly for six months.
- Rotate and replace natural repellents as indicated.
By combining rigorous cleaning, environmental adjustments, sealing of entryways, and safe natural deterrents, a residence can be rendered inhospitable to ticks without resorting to chemical pesticides.