What to do when ticks appear at home? - briefly
Remove attached ticks with fine tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out, then disinfect the bite site. Clean clothing, bedding, and rugs in hot water, vacuum thoroughly, and contact pest control if the problem continues.
What to do when ticks appear at home? - in detail
Ticks discovered inside a dwelling require immediate action to protect occupants and pets.
Identify the stage of infestation. Locate each tick on walls, floors, furniture, bedding, and pet‑holding areas. Use a flashlight to examine seams, cracks, and hidden corners.
Remove live specimens carefully. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and place the specimen in a sealed container for disposal. Avoid crushing the body to prevent pathogen release.
Sanitize affected surfaces. Apply a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) or an EPA‑registered disinfectant to floors, carpets, and upholstery. For porous items, launder at ≥ 60 °C or seal in a plastic bag for two weeks to starve any hidden stages.
Treat the indoor environment. Deploy a residual acaricide approved for indoor use, following label instructions for concentration and ventilation. Consider foggers or heat treatment for severe cases, ensuring all occupants and pets vacate the premises during application.
Inspect and protect pets. Examine animals daily, focusing on ears, neck, and between toes. Use veterinarian‑recommended tick collars, spot‑on treatments, or oral medications. Bath pets with a mild soap to dislodge any attached ticks.
Seal entry points. Repair cracks in walls and foundations, install door sweeps, and fit window screens. Reduce wildlife access by removing bird nests, rodent habitats, and outdoor debris near the house.
Monitor after intervention. Conduct weekly inspections for at least four weeks, documenting any new sightings. If ticks persist, engage a licensed pest‑control professional for comprehensive assessment and targeted treatment.