Steps to take when discovering a tick inside your home

Discovering a tick in your home can be distressing. Ticks are not just annoying; they also pose the risk of carrying diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you come across a tick in your home, follow this concise guide to handle the situation effectively:

Identify and Isolate:

Identify the type of tick, whether it’s a black-legged, dog, or brown dog tick.
If you find a tick in a specific area, such as your bed, restrict access to that area, especially for pets and children.

Protect Yourself:

Before handling ticks or cleaning the area, wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing to shield yourself from potential tick bites.

Thorough Cleaning:

Wash bedding or clothing where the tick was found in hot water and dry on high heat.
Vacuum the area meticulously, paying attention to corners, furniture, and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum canister outside.

Tick Removal:

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, or flushing it down the toilet.

Monitor and Prevent:

After a tick bite, monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
Prevent future infestations by maintaining your yard, using tick preventatives on pets, and considering professional pest control if needed.