Think ticks are just an outdoor problem? Think again. These resilient parasites love outdoor spaces with tall grass and thick plants. But they can easily invade your home, turning it into their hunting ground.
You might see these tiny vampires, about the size of sesame seeds, crawling on your walls, lurking on furniture, or hiding in your carpet.
Some species, like the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), even adapt to indoor life.
How do you get ticks in your house?
Ticks usually get into homes in a few ways. The most common way is by hitching a ride on people or pets that have been outside. Ticks can latch onto your clothes, skin, or pets when you walk in tall grass, woods, or thick plants. So they can then come inside without you noticing.
Once inside, ticks can drop off. They look for shelter in carpets, bedding, or furniture. In these places, they can survive and reproduce.
Pets are particularly effective at bringing ticks inside. Dogs and cats that roam through tick-infested areas can easily pick up these pests in their fur.
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Wildlife around your property can also contribute to tick problems. Animals like deer, rodents, and birds that come close to your home can drop ticks near entry points.
If you have wood piles, trash, or bird seed waste near your home, they can attract animals that carry ticks. This increases the chances of ticks getting into your living space.
How to Get Rid of Ticks in My House
To get rid of ticks in your home, act quickly. You’ll need both DIY methods and professional pest control services.
- Wash all bedding, linens, and removable fabric items in hot water.
- Steam clean carpets and area rugs thoroughly, as ticks can hide deep in carpet fibers.
- Vacuum frequently, paying special attention to areas where pets rest.
- Steam-clean hard-to-reach areas like baseboards, cracks, and crevices where ticks might hide.
- Create a protected zone around your home by keeping grass cut short and trimming vegetation.
- Keep plants away from your home's exterior.
- Eliminate wood piles, trash, and seed waste that attract tick-host animals.
- Regularly check pets and family members after outdoor activities.
- Use EPA-registered repellents such as DEET when spending time outdoors.
- Wear protective clothing, including long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Ticks in Your House
Remember: ticks are vectors for over 16 different diseases in North America alone.
You can protect your home and family from these disease-carrying pests. Use prevention, take prompt action, and get professional help. DIY methods can lower tick numbers, but getting rid of them completely requires professional tick control services.