I like to think of myself as someone who has love and understanding for all creatures. Even spiders and snakes — two very common human phobias — don’t scare me to the point where I’ll actively avoid them.
You could say I have a high tolerance for creepy crawlies… just not when it comes to ticks.
No, as shameful as it is to admit, I wouldn’t lose a second of sleep if ticks vanished from the world tomorrow, never to be seen again. The thing is, they’re not just annoying (not to mention invasive and enough to make most people’s skin crawl), but they can actually be dangerous.
Ticks can carry serious diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, so it goes without saying that they’re probably not the best house guests to have around…
That said, depending on where you live, the time of year, and whether you have pets at home, your chances of encountering ticks can be fairly high.
So, what should you do if and when you find one of these tiny pests inside your home? Well, that’s the question you’re all here to have answered, so without further ado, let’s get into it…
Identify and isolate the problem
It’s a good idea to try to identify the type of tick (whether it’s a black-legged tick, dog tick, or brown dog tick). If the tick is located in a specific area, keep children and pets away until it has been dealt with.
Take protective steps
To make sure the tick doesn’t latch onto you, wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing so your skin stays covered.
Clean thoroughly
Be sure to wash any clothing or bedding the tick may have come into contact with. Use high heat when washing. Vacuum the area carefully, paying close attention to corners, crevices, and hidden spaces.
Tick removal
Use fine-tipped tweezers and grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward slowly and steadily, avoiding twisting or jerking so the tick’s head doesn’t break off and stay in the skin.
After removal, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. You can dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet.
Monitor the bite
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on any bite sites, as well as monitor the person who was bitten for symptoms.
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