What to do if you find ticks in your home—and how to prevent them
If you discover ticks in your home, quick action is important—even though most native ticks (such as the common castor bean tick) can only survive for a few days indoors without a host. An exception is the brown dog tick, which is capable of reproducing inside buildings.
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Immediate measures: What to do if there are ticks in the house?
Eliminate any ticks found: Do not crush ticks with your bare fingers. The best ways to dispose of them are to stick them onto a piece of tape and fold it over, drown them in high-proof alcohol (or disinfectant), or burn them thoroughly. (Note: Ticks often survive being flushed down the toilet or sink!)
Thoroughly clean textiles and sleeping areas:Explore Gourmet Recipes
Wash worn clothing, blankets, and towels at a minimum of 60°C.
Alternatively, you can place clothing
in the tumble dryer on a high heat setting for 10 to 15 minutes—the dry heat reliably kills ticks.
Regularly wash pet bedding and blankets.
