What should be done if there are ticks in pillows? - briefly
Dispose of the infested pillows, then launder all bedding at ≥ 60 °C and vacuum the mattress and surrounding area. Inspect the sleeping environment for additional ticks and apply appropriate acaricide treatment to prevent recurrence.
What should be done if there are ticks in pillows? - in detail
Ticks found in bedding require prompt, systematic action to eliminate the parasites and prevent re‑infestation.
First, remove the affected pillow from the sleeping area. Place it in a sealed plastic bag to contain any moving insects.
Next, choose an appropriate decontamination method:
- Machine‑wash the pillow on the hottest cycle the fabric allows (minimum 60 °C).
- If washing is unsuitable, expose the pillow to direct sunlight for at least 4 hours, ensuring the temperature reaches 45 °C.
- For items that cannot tolerate heat, seal them in a freezer for 48 hours; temperatures below ‑20 °C kill ticks at all life stages.
After treatment, inspect the pillow thoroughly. If any live ticks remain, discard the pillow in a sealed container and dispose of it with regular trash.
Clean the surrounding environment to remove detached ticks and eggs:
- Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and nearby floorboards; empty the vacuum bag into a sealed bag and discard.
- Launder all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets on the hottest safe setting.
- Apply an EPA‑registered acaricide to the mattress and surrounding area if infestation signs persist.
Prevent future occurrences with these measures:
- Encase pillows and mattresses in tick‑proof, zippered covers.
- Conduct monthly visual checks of bedding, especially after outdoor activities.
- Keep the sleeping area free of clutter that could harbor ticks.
- Maintain surrounding vegetation at a distance from the bedroom to reduce tick migration.
Following these steps eliminates the current problem and establishes a barrier against subsequent tick intrusion.