What should be done if there is a tick in a pillow? - briefly
Locate the tick, grasp it with fine‑point tweezers as close to the body as possible, pull straight out, then disinfect the insect, wash the pillow on a hot cycle, and vacuum the surrounding area.
What should be done if there is a tick in a pillow? - in detail
Finding a tick lodged in a pillow requires immediate, systematic action to eliminate the parasite and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
First, isolate the contaminated bedding. Remove the pillow from the sleeping area and place it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the tick from escaping.
Next, extract the arthropod. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the body as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the abdomen, which can release infectious fluids.
After removal, disinfect the bite site on the skin with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol. Observe the area for several days; note any expanding rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms, and consult a healthcare professional promptly if they appear.
The pillow itself must be decontaminated. Wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions at the highest temperature safe for the fabric (minimum 60 °C/140 °F). If the pillow cannot be laundered, expose it to dry heat in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes or place it in a sealed container in a freezer at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 48 hours.
Clean the surrounding environment. Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and nearby floor, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister. Wash all bedding, pillowcases, and nearby fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat.
Implement preventive measures. Inspect sleeping areas regularly for ticks, especially after outdoor activities. Keep pets treated with appropriate ectoparasite control, and consider using tick‑repellent sprays on bedding in high‑risk regions.
Finally, retain the removed tick in a sealed container for identification if symptoms develop, and document the incident for future reference.