Many of us enjoy hosting guests every now and then. However, there are certain visitors we’d prefer never to let in.
One such unwelcome guest is the common tick. When these little critters make their way into our homes, it’s only a matter of time before they show exactly why we want them gone.
Ticks aren’t just harmless arachnids that occasionally show up—they pose a serious risk. These tiny pests carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, making their presence more than just a nuisance.
Obviously, if a guest arrived at our door carrying one of these diseases, we’d likely stop them before they could enter. The challenge is, you don’t always realize when ticks are sneaking in until it’s too late.
In some regions, it’s not unusual to find ticks in your backyard, and if you have pets, they might encounter them from time to time. Your pets could even bring them inside, so what should you do if you find ticks inside your home?
There are several steps you can take, but it’s important to act quickly. The more proactive you are, the less likely you’ll face bigger issues.
Identify the Problem: Start by closely examining the tick to determine what type it is. If you find it in a specific area of your home, keep pets and children away from that space until you’ve resolved the issue.
Act Now: Ticks will seize any opportunity to latch on, so before handling them, make sure you’re wearing gloves and long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin.
Clean: If a tick has come into contact with your bedding or clothing, wash them thoroughly in hot water. Vacuum the area and be sure to check any crevices or corners where ticks might be hiding.
Tick Removal: If the tick has already attached, it’s important to remove it correctly. Never smother the tick or apply heat, as this could cause it to die or regurgitate, potentially infecting you.
To remove the tick properly, use tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull gently and steadily upward, making sure the tick’s head doesn’t break off under your skin.
Monitor: After removal, keep an eye on the bite site. Watch for signs of infection or the appearance of a bull’s-eye ring, which could signal a more serious issue.
