What should you do if ticks are in the bed? - briefly
If you discover ticks in your sleeping area, strip the mattress and linens, seal them in plastic bags for hot‑water washing, vacuum the mattress and surrounding floor, and treat the surface with a suitable acaricide. Inspect your skin and clothing for bites, seek medical advice if needed, and arrange professional pest control to eliminate the infestation.
What should you do if ticks are in the bed? - in detail
If you find ticks in your sleeping area, act quickly to remove the insects and eliminate the risk of disease transmission.
First, detach each tick with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure. Place the removed specimens in a sealed container for identification if needed.
Next, strip the bedding and wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Launder any clothing that may have contacted the insects under the same conditions.
Thoroughly vacuum the mattress, box spring, and surrounding floor, paying special attention to seams, tufts, and cracks. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
Apply an appropriate acaricide to the mattress and surrounding frame, following manufacturer instructions. If the infestation appears extensive, consider a professional pest‑control service that uses residual treatments safe for indoor use.
Inspect pets for attached ticks, remove any found, and treat animals with veterinary‑approved tick preventatives. Clean pet bedding and grooming tools in the same manner as human linens.
Monitor for bite symptoms: local redness, swelling, fever, headache, or muscle aches. If any signs develop, seek medical evaluation promptly; early antibiotic therapy can prevent serious illness such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Finally, implement preventive measures: keep bedroom windows screened, maintain a tidy environment free of leaf litter and tall grass near the home, and use tick‑repellent products on clothing and skin when outdoor exposure is likely. Regularly check sleeping areas during peak tick seasons to catch re‑infestations before they spread.