Where do ixodid ticks appear in an apartment? - briefly
Ixodid ticks commonly hide in carpet borders, baseboards, pet bedding, and cracks near walls or under furniture where they can contact a host. They may also be found on window sills and door frames that collect outdoor debris.
Where do ixodid ticks appear in an apartment? - in detail
Hard ticks are typically found in areas that offer shelter, moisture, and access to hosts. Within a residential unit, they concentrate in the following locations:
- Carpet and rug edges, especially where fibers meet walls or baseboards.
- Pet bedding, cages, and carrier interiors, where blood meals are readily available.
- Cracks and gaps in flooring, under floorboards, and behind baseboards, providing stable microclimates.
- Upholstered furniture seams, cushions, and the undersides of sofas and chairs.
- Closet interiors, laundry baskets, and rarely used storage spaces that retain humidity.
- Window sills, door frames, and vent grilles, where temperature fluctuations are moderate.
- HVAC filters and ductwork, which can transport ticks from exterior entry points.
- Behind wall hangings, picture frames, and light fixtures, offering concealed resting sites.
Ticks thrive in environments with relative humidity above 70 % and temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C. Presence of domestic animals, rodents, or birds increases the likelihood of infestation, as these hosts supply necessary blood meals. Regular vacuuming of carpets, laundering of pet linens, sealing of floor cracks, and routine inspection of hidden crevices reduce the risk of tick establishment in these indoor habitats.