What should be done if ticks have entered the apartment? - briefly
Immediately isolate the affected rooms, carefully extract all visible ticks with fine‑point tweezers and store them in sealed containers for identification. Then vacuum thoroughly, launder bedding and fabrics at high temperature, and treat the premises with an approved acaricide to eliminate any remaining specimens.
What should be done if ticks have entered the apartment? - in detail
Ticks inside a dwelling pose a health risk and require immediate, systematic action.
First, locate every tick. Conduct a thorough inspection of bedding, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet areas. Use a bright flashlight and a fine-tooth comb to examine skin and hair. Remove each specimen with tweezers, grasping close to the mouthparts, pulling upward with steady pressure, and disposing of it in sealed waste.
Second, clean the environment. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery repeatedly, paying special attention to seams and corners; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately. Mop hard floors with a disinfectant solution effective against arthropods.
Third, treat pets. Bathe dogs and cats with a veterinarian‑approved tick shampoo, then apply a licensed topical or oral acaricide. Consult a veterinarian for appropriate products and dosing.
Fourth, apply residual insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor tick control, following label directions precisely. Treat baseboards, cracks, crevices, and pet sleeping areas. Allow the treated surfaces to dry completely before re‑occupying the rooms.
Fifth, monitor and prevent re‑infestation. Set up sticky traps in corners and near windows to detect lingering ticks. Perform weekly visual checks of occupants and pets for several weeks. Keep windows and doors sealed, use screens, and maintain a tidy environment to reduce hiding places.
If any bite results in a rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, mentioning possible tick exposure. Early diagnosis of tick‑borne diseases improves treatment outcomes.