What should you do if you bring a tick home? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑point tweezers, pulling it straight out without crushing, then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Monitor the area for rash or fever over the next weeks and contact a medical professional if any symptoms appear.
What should you do if you bring a tick home? - in detail
If a tick is found inside the house, act immediately to prevent disease transmission and eliminate the pest.
First, isolate the tick. Place it in a sealed container (e.g., a small jar with a lid) or a zip‑lock bag. Label the container with the date and location where the tick was discovered; this information is useful for medical consultation.
Next, remove the tick from any host (human or animal) using fine‑pointed tweezers. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid twisting or squeezing the body. After extraction, cleanse the bite area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic.
Dispose of the tick safely. Options include:
- Submerging the specimen in isopropyl alcohol for at least 10 minutes.
- Freezing it in a refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Placing it in a sealed bag and discarding it in an outdoor trash container.
Sanitize any surfaces the tick may have contacted. Use a household disinfectant on floors, bedding, and pet accessories. Wash clothing and linens that may have been exposed in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Monitor the bite site for signs of infection or illness over the next 2–4 weeks. Look for:
- Redness or swelling that expands.
- A rash resembling a bull’s eye.
- Fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches.
If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical advice promptly. Provide the healthcare professional with the tick’s identification details (species, stage, date of removal) to guide appropriate testing and treatment.
Finally, inspect pets for ticks regularly, especially after outdoor activities. Use veterinarian‑recommended tick preventatives and perform routine body checks to reduce future infestations.