What kills ticks in the house? - briefly
Apply a registered indoor insecticide with permethrin, pyrethrin, or a similar acaricide, and spread food‑grade diatomaceous earth in carpet seams and cracks. Follow up with steam cleaning or laundering infested fabrics at temperatures above 130 °F to ensure complete eradication.
What kills ticks in the house? - in detail
Ticks that have entered a residence must be eradicated promptly to prevent bites and disease transmission. Effective control combines chemical, physical, and biological measures, each targeting different life stages and habitats.
Acaricidal products designed for indoor use provide rapid knock‑down. Spray formulations containing permethrin, bifenthrin, or cyfluthrin can be applied to baseboards, cracks, and furniture. Foggers (thermal or cold‑mist) disperse fine particles throughout rooms, reaching hidden crevices. Follow label instructions regarding ventilation and re‑entry times to ensure safety.
Physical methods destroy ticks without chemicals. Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery with a HEPA‑rated device removes attached and free‑living specimens; empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Exposure to extreme temperatures is lethal: washing bedding and clothing in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) or placing items in a dryer for at least 30 minutes eliminates all stages. Freezing infested items at –20 °C (–4 °F) for a minimum of 48 hours also proves effective.
Organic alternatives act as desiccants or repellents. Diatomaceous earth, applied thinly to floor seams and pet bedding, abrades the tick’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Concentrated solutions of rosemary, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil, when diluted appropriately, repel ticks and reduce re‑infestation. Use only products labeled for indoor use to avoid damage to surfaces and occupants.
Prevention sustains a tick‑free environment. Regularly trim indoor plants, seal gaps around doors and windows, and maintain low humidity (below 50 %). Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives to stop introduction from animals. Conduct monthly inspections of sleeping areas, pet zones, and storage spaces, and repeat the chosen control measures as needed to confirm elimination.