If you find ticks inside your home, here’s what you should know

August 15, 2025 by admin

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#### 2. **Save the Tick (Optional but Smart)**

Place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or container with a moist cotton ball. This can help in **identifying the species** in case of symptoms later, or for your vet if your pet was bitten.

#### 3. **Check for More**

After finding one tick, **check pets, bedding, carpets, and furniture** for others. Ticks are sneaky and can hide in small, dark spaces.

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### 🧼 How to Clean and Prevent Further Ticks

#### ✅ Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuum rugs, floors, pet beds, furniture, and baseboards. Immediately empty the vacuum contents outside in a sealed bag.

#### ✅ Wash and Dry

Wash pet bedding, blankets, and clothing on hot settings. Ticks can survive cold washes but **die in high heat**.

#### ✅ Use Tick Preventatives on Pets

Ensure your pets are protected with vet-approved **tick collars, drops, or oral medications**. Ticks most often enter the home via animals.

#### ✅ Seal Entry Points

Close off access by repairing damaged screens, sealing gaps in doors and windows, and trimming plants or grass near entrances.

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### 🔍 When to Be Concerned

* If you find **multiple ticks** over a short period
* If a **tick was attached** for more than 24 hours
* If you or a pet start showing **unusual symptoms** (fever, rash, fatigue, joint pain, etc.)

In these cases, contact your **healthcare provider or veterinarian** immediately. Early treatment is key for tick-borne illnesses.

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### 🐾 Bonus: Natural Tick Deterrents

For ongoing prevention, consider:

* **Diatomaceous earth** sprinkled around baseboards or pet areas
* Essential oils like **cedarwood, eucalyptus, or lemongrass** (safe for pets when used properly)
* **Tick tubes** for yards (cotton soaked in permethrin placed in tubes — effective for outdoor control)

Always research and use natural remedies with caution, especially if you have pets or children at home.

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### Final Thought

Finding a tick in your home is unsettling, but it doesn’t mean you’re dealing with an infestation. By acting quickly, checking thoroughly, and staying proactive, you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from unwanted bites and health risks.

Stay alert, stay clean, and when in doubt — consult a professional.

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Need a printable tick removal guide or a checklist for home prevention? Just say the word!