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

If you discover ticks inside your home, it’s important to act quickly to prevent bites and potential tick-borne illnesses (like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or others). Here’s what you should do:

Table of Contents

1. Identify the Tick

Size & Color: Most ticks are small (poppy-seed to apple-seed size) and range from brown to reddish-black.

Engorged vs. Flat: An engorged tick has fed on blood and may look swollen.
Common Indoor Ticks:
- Deer ticks (black-legged ticks) – Can carry Lyme disease.
- Dog ticks – Larger, less likely to transmit Lyme.
- Brown dog ticks – Can infest homes and breed indoors.

2. Remove Any Attached Ticks Safely

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

Pull upward steadily—don’t twist or crush the tick (to avoid leaving mouthparts in the skin).
Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Save the tick in a sealed bag or container (in case testing is needed).

3. Eliminate Ticks in Your Home

Vacuum thoroughly (floors, carpets, pet bedding, and furniture). Dispose of the vacuum bag outside.
Wash & dry fabrics (bedding, curtains, pet beds) on high heat to kill ticks.
Use tick spray or diatomaceous earth (a natural powder that kills ticks) in cracks and along baseboards.

Check pets—use tick prevention treatments and comb them regularly.

4. Prevent Future Infestations

Seal entry points (cracks, gaps around windows/doors).
Keep grass and shrubs trimmed (ticks often come from outside).

Use tick repellents (like permethrin on clothing or DEET on skin when outdoors).
Regularly inspect family & pets after being outside.

5. When to Call a Professional

If ticks keep reappearing, you may have an infestation (especially brown dog ticks, which can breed indoors).

Consider pest control if DIY methods fail.

6. Watch for Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illness

Fever, chills, rash (especially a “bullseye” rash from Lyme disease), muscle aches, or fatigue.
See a doctor if symptoms appear after a tick bite.

Why Are Ticks in Your House?

They hitchhike on pets, clothing, or people.
Some species (like brown dog ticks) can complete their life cycle indoors.

Quick Tip: A single tick doesn’t always mean an infestation, but take action to avoid more!

Would you like help identifying the tick or dealing with a recurring problem?