Where in the house do ticks live? - briefly
Ticks favor dark, humid places such as baseboard cracks, under furniture, pet bedding, and closets. Regular inspection and cleaning of these areas reduces the risk of infestation.
Where in the house do ticks live? - in detail
Ticks are most often encountered in the interior spaces that provide shelter, moisture, and access to hosts. Their preferred micro‑habitats inside a residence include:
- Wall and floor junctions – gaps where baseboards meet carpet or laminate, especially in older constructions, retain humidity and protect ticks from disturbance.
- Pet sleeping areas – beds, crates, and cushions used by dogs or cats accumulate skin flakes and retain warmth, creating a suitable feeding ground.
- Carpet piles and rugs – dense fibers trap debris and maintain a stable micro‑climate; ticks may hide beneath the surface layer.
- Furniture crevices – seams of sofas, upholstered chairs, and storage units offer dark, undisturbed pockets.
- Basement or crawl‑space entry points – cracks in foundation walls, utility openings, and vent grates admit outdoor ticks and preserve the damp conditions they require.
- Under furniture – space beneath tables, dressers, or beds often stays cooler and less trafficked, allowing ticks to remain unnoticed.
- Window sills and blinds – areas that receive limited airflow can retain moisture, especially in homes with poor ventilation.
Ticks survive by locating environments with relative humidity above 70 % and temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 30 °C. They avoid bright, dry, or heavily disturbed zones, which explains their concentration in the sites listed above.
Effective control focuses on eliminating these niches: seal cracks, reduce indoor humidity with dehumidifiers, regularly vacuum carpets and upholstery, wash pet bedding at high temperatures, and inspect hidden areas during routine cleaning. Prompt removal of any attached tick reduces the risk of disease transmission.