Where do ticks live in a house? - briefly
Ticks hide in secluded, humid spots such as baseboard cracks, under furniture, and near window or door frames; they also occupy pet bedding and carpet edges where hosts frequently pass.
Where do ticks live in a house? - in detail
Ticks are ectoparasites that can establish temporary refuges inside a residence when humidity is sufficient and a suitable host is available. Their survival indoors depends on micro‑environments that retain moisture and provide shelter from disturbance.
Typical indoor locations include:
- Gaps between baseboards and flooring where moisture accumulates.
- Under or behind upholstered furniture, especially where pets rest.
- Pet bedding, crates, and carrier cages that are not regularly laundered.
- Carpets and rugs, particularly in low‑traffic corners or near entrances.
- Wall voids, crawl spaces, and attic insulation that remain damp.
- Under kitchen cabinets or pantry shelves where food crumbs attract rodents, which can carry ticks.
- Behind radiators, vents, or humidifiers that create localized humidity.
- In closets or storage boxes containing damp clothing or fabric.
Key factors that make these sites suitable are:
- Relative humidity above 70 % (ticks lose water rapidly in dry air).
- Presence of a mammalian host such as a dog, cat, or rodent.
- Minimal disturbance, allowing ticks to remain undetected for days or weeks.
- Accumulated dust or debris that provides concealment.
Understanding these specific refuges helps focus inspection and control measures on the areas most likely to harbor ticks within a home.