How to Get Rid of Ticks in Your House

Ticks are parasitic arachnids that survive by feeding on the blood of a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Ticks like to hang out in wooded or brushy areas and attach themselves to animals and humans that brush against them. Various types of ticks are spread throughout North America. Ticks (and their nymphs) transmit a number of serious diseases and in some cases can also cause allergies and anemia. They are most active in the spring and summer but can be found in some places as late as October. They prefer to be outside but can enter the home in a number of ways, including itching a ride on pets and hiding in clothing that has been worn outdoors.

If ticks are found inside your home, it is important to remove them carefully and dispose of them properly. If they are a repeated issue, it may be a good idea to contact a pest control professional.

What Do Ticks Look Like?

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that live in woods and fields and are most prevalent during the spring and summer but are active into fall. They do not fly and are most often found on animals, but can also attach themselves to humans.

Ticks are brown or black and their bodies are covered in tiny bumps. Their legs are long and thin, and they have a small head with a mouth designed to pierce skin so they can feed on blood. Adults and nymphs have eight legs, where their very tiny larvae are six-legged. Ticks are often no bigger than the head of a pin, but they become 'engorged' after blood meals, during which time they can be as big around as a pea.

If you think you've found a tick inside, proceed carefully and make sure you're not actually dealing with carpet beetles or bed bugs. If you find a tick attached to your body (or on your pet), consult with a medical care provider for instructions on removal and options for treatment.

Types of Ticks

Most people think of ticks as outdoor creatures, but there are several species that can make their way inside. Some of them are carriers of disease and others are not. These ticks include:

• The Deer Tick: Incredibly small and difficult to spot, this tick is the most notorious carrier of Lyme disease. Though, it is notable that the term "deer tick" is a bit outdated—deers are not the main carriers of this tick. It is, in fact, rodents.
• The American Dog Tick: Often brought inside on pets or clothing, this tick can carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• The Brown Dog Tick: A common household pest that's looking to stay long-term, this tick is not known to transmit disease but can cause anemia in pets if allowed to flourish indoors.

Know How to Inspect for Ticks

According to the CDC, ticks need to be attached for 36-48 hours in order to cause damage. When you or your pets are coming in from outside, be sure to look everyone over carefully for ticks, especially during the spring and summer months. On your body, check areas like:

• In and around the hair and ears
• Between the legs
• Backs of knees
• Underarms
• Around the waist
• Inside the bellybutton

How to Get Rid of Ticks Naturally

Tick control is far more about prevention than eradication. If you live in an area where ticks are present, they will always be present. The concern is keeping them out of your home and away from your family and pets. It's best to use simple, common-sense methods when it comes to pest control Here are six recommended methods to get rid of ticks naturally:

Treat Your Animals for Ticks

Treat your pets with a tick and flea medication every 30 days and carefully check your pets over when they come inside. Medications are generally oral and can be found over-the-counter as well as prescribed by a vet. Ticks can be incredibly small and difficult to spot on your pet initially as they burrow themselves into an animal's fur and attach themselves so they can feed discreetly, so make sure to give your pet a thorough search.

Use a Tick Repellent

There are a variety of options when it comes to sprays and repellents for ticks, including over-the-counter products such as DEET and other homemade options.

The following essential oils have been shown to help deter ticks:

• Lemon oil
• Eucalyptus oil

Homemade tick repellents typically involve mixing one or more oils with water, vinegar, and witch hazel in some combination,

Wear Proper Clothing

If you are planning to spend time outside in wooded areas where ticks could be present, make sure you're dressed appropriately. Also consider treating your clothing with a tick and insect repellent product before venturing out.

Wear long sleeves and pants made of durable fabric, keep your skin covered, wear close-toed shoes with tall socks and avoid walking through areas with heavy brush whenever possible.

Use Your Dryer to Kill Ticks

When coming in from outdoors, put all items in the dryer on high before you wash them. Yes, you read that right: dry first, then wash and dry again. It may seem reasonable to wash the clothes first, but your washing machine may not get hot enough to adequately kill ticks, and you don't want to leave them behind in your washer.

Use the dryer. Ticks dry out very easily. Removing clothing and drying it at high heat for at least 10 minutes will dry out and kill ticks that are still on your clothes.

Address Conducive Conditions

In pest control, a conducive condition is any environmental factor that is perpetuating a pest control issue. These conditions include food sources, harborage areas, and other factors.

When dealing with ticks inside, there are a few conducive conditions to consider first:

• Food sources: Ticks feed on blood. Address their food sources by treating pets for ticks and inspecting pets and family members after outdoor time.
• Harborage areas: Ticks are present outside, but if you're trying to keep them away from your home, trim back brush and overgrowth around your house, especially if it's close to indoor structures.

Use Common Household Ingredients

There are several common household ingredients that can be effective in treating and preventing ticks. These include:

• Salt
• Boric acid
• Bleach
• Dish detergent
• Rubbing alcohol