If You Find Ticks Inside Your Home, Here’s What You Need to Know
I generally consider myself someone who harbors love and understanding for all living creatures. Even snakes and spiders—which are quite common phobias for many people—do not terrify me to the extent that I would go out of my way to avoid them.
You might say I possess a rather high tolerance for creepy crawlies… except when it comes to ticks.
As shameful as it may be to confess, I wouldn’t lose a single wink of sleep if every tick disappeared from the face of the earth tomorrow, never to return. The reality is that they are not merely an annoyance (not to mention invasive and incredibly skin-crawling for most), but they can also be genuinely hazardous.
Ticks are known carriers of debilitating illnesses, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease, so it goes without saying that they are definitely not the kind of houseguests you want to entertain.
Having said that, depending on your geographic location, the current season, and whether you keep pets indoors, your likelihood of encountering ticks can actually be quite high.
So, what exactly should you do if and when you stumble upon one of these tiny pests within the four walls of your home? That is exactly the question you are here to get answered, so without further ado, let’s dive right in…
Identify and isolate the problem
It is highly recommended that you attempt to identify the specific type of tick (whether it is a black-legged tick, dog tick, or brown dog tick). If the tick is confined to a particular spot, ensure your pets and children stay completely away from that area until the situation is resolved.
Protective steps
To prevent the tick from latching onto your body, be sure to wear gloves and long-sleeved garments so that no bare skin is exposed.
Clean thoroughly
Make absolutely certain to thoroughly wash any bedding or clothing that the tick may have touched. Be sure to use high heat for this. Vacuum the surrounding area, paying extra attention to tight corners and crevices.
Tick removal
Using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the surface of the skin as you possibly can. Pull upward slowly and steadily, making sure to avoid jerking or twisting so the tick’s head does not snap off and stay embedded in your skin.
After successfully removing it, cleanse any bite marks with soapy water or rubbing alcohol. You can submerge the tick in alcohol to dispose of it, or simply flush it down the toilet.
Monitor your bite
It is very important to keep a close eye on any bite marks you discover, as well as actively monitor the bitten individual for any developing symptoms.
Hopefully, this guide proves helpful! Please share this article on Facebook to help spread this important message.