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How to Get Rid of Ticks from Your Home - Tick Removal Guide

how to get rid of ticks

Ticks are a very common pest that can be found anywhere from your backyard to the woods.

They have been known to carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, which is why it's so important to know how to get rid of ticks as quickly as possible.

In this blog post, we'll cover how you can find them and how you can remove them from your body.

What are Ticks?

ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attack warm-blooded hosts and feed on them. Ticks can infect people and animals with germs, viruses, and protozoans that might cause illness.

They can be found in nearly every corner of the world and their bite is often painless, which makes them hard to spot.

Ticks can carry a number of diseases, including:

Other diseases carried by ticks include:

  • Colorado tick fever.
  • Powassan virus.
  • Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).
  • Tick paralysis.
  • Spotted fever.
  • Relapsing fever.
  • Heartland virus.

Ticks are small and difficult to spot until they have had time to feed on your blood. They then become larger and more visible.

Identifying types of ticks

There are several different types of tick in the USA all with varying spread geographically and in different stages in lifecycles and diseases.

While any of the listed ticks can bite humans, they tend to bite black-legged ticks (LoneStar Ticks) and pet ticks, but this treatment guide can work with the ticks described above if necessary.

Read Also: Tick vs Bed Bugs - What's the Difference

The Life Cycle of a Tick

tick life cycle

medexpress.com

Ticks go through four different life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult.

To survive, adult ticks must consume blood at every stage in their life, starting from when they hatch from eggs.

Ticks that require this many hosts can take up to 3 years to complete their full life cycle, and most will die because they don’t find a host for their next feeding.

What Do Ticks Look Like?

Ticks are tiny bloodsucking parasites. They may be as tiny as a pin's head or as huge as a pencil eraser in size. Ticks have eight legs. They're arachnids, which are spiders' cousins.

The different kinds of ticks can range in color from shades of brown to reddish-brown and black.

As they take in more blood, ticks grow.

Ticks come in a variety of colors, ranging from brown to reddish-brown and black. Ticks expand in size as they feed on human blood.

Ticks that need numerous hosts can up to 3 years to finish their full life span and generally will die because they're unable to find a host for their next meal.

Where Do Ticks Live?

Ticks are found in wooded areas, bushes, high grass, and leaf litter. Ticks can also be found on animals, such as deer, dogs, and cats.

Ticks attach themselves to their hosts by burrowing their heads into the skin. Once they're attached, ticks will feed on their host's blood for several days.

They’ll settle down in overgrown patches in your yard, woodpiles, and even bird feeders.

Causes Of Tick Infestation?

tick biting

Ticks can enter your home in a variety of ways, one tick may bring many more.

If there are wooded or bushy areas close to your home, and if you're outside when it's warm, then it's possible for you to come into contact with a tick.

The tick will attach to any clothes or skin it can find and then insert its head into your body.

Ticks enjoy hiding in dark, protected areas like wood piles, leaf piles, and scrub brushes.

Ticks can attach themselves to any part of the body, including:

  • the groin
  • under the arms
  • inside the ears
  • in the hair
  • inside the belly button
  • behind the knee

Ticks can also attach themselves to your pets, especially dogs. Since ticks are usually small, it can be hard to see them on your body or in your pet’s fur.

Signs of Tick Infestation in Your Home

tick infestation

Ticks can be found in wooded areas, bushes, high grass, and leaf litter. Ticks can also be found on animals, such as deer, dogs, and cats.

Ticks attach themselves to their hosts by burrowing their heads into the skin. Once they're attached, ticks will feed on their host's blood for several days.

The most common sign of a tick infestation is finding ticks on your body or in your home. Ticks can be as small as a pinhead, so they can be hard to spot.

Other signs of a tick infestation include:

  • Finding bites on your body that you didn't notice before
  • Seeing bloodstains on your bedding or clothing
  • Finding ticks in your home
  • Your pet scratching itself more than usual

If you think you might have a tick infestation, it's important to call a pest control company right away.

The ticks in your yard are likely the result of regular visits from feral cats, rabbits, mice, and squirrels.

A professional will be able to identify the type of tick and recommend the best course of treatment.

7 Ways to Get Rid of Ticks Naturally

apple cider vinegar

There are a few different ways to get rid of ticks from your yard, but the most important thing is to be vigilant and check for ticks regularly.

If you're looking to avoid harsh chemicals, here are some natural methods for your tick control:

  1. Try Cedar Oil Spray.
  2. Homemade Tick and Insect Repellent.
  3. Eucalyptus Oil.
  4. Neem Oil.
  5. Apple Cider Vinegar.
  6. Certain Aromatherapy Essential Oils.
  7. Eat Garlic!

Treat Your Animals for Ticks

Ticks can carry diseases that are dangerous to both humans and animals, so it's important to take steps to protect your furry friends this spring.

Here are a few things you can do to keep your animals safe from ticks.

1. Use a Tick Repellent

tick repellents

There are a variety of natural tick repellents on the market that are safe to use on animals. Check with your veterinarian to find one that is right for your pet.

Apply it according to the directions on the package, and be sure to reapply it regularly, especially if your pet is going to be spending time outdoors.

2. Wear Proper Clothing

You can also help protect your animals by dressing them in clothing that covers their exposed skin.

There are a variety of options available, from flea and tick collars to special suits that provide complete coverage.

3. Address Conducive Conditions

Ticks thrive in areas with tall grass and dense vegetation, so make sure you keep your yard trimmed and clean.

If you have woods on your property, keep your animals away from them as much as possible.

And, be sure to check your animals thoroughly after they've been outside, paying close attention to their ears, neck, and belly where ticks like to attach themselves.

4. Use Your Dryer to Kill Ticks

dryer

One of the easiest ways is to simply throw it in the dryer on high heat for about 15 minutes. The heat will kill the tick and prevent it from being able to attach itself to another host.

You can also remove ticks with tweezers or a specialized tool designed for tick removal.

How To Remove And Kill Ticks On A Dog Instantly

If you’ve ever found a tick on your dog, you know how important it is to remove it quickly and safely. Here’s a quick guide to removing and killing this pathogen on your dog.

  • First, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. A pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool will do the trick.
  • Next, you’ll want to disinfect the area around the tick. So that they don't reproduce and also fight infection.
  • Once the area is clean, gently grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull it out. If the tick’s mouthparts are left behind, don’t panic.
  • Just grab a pair of needle-nose pliers and gently remove them. If you can’t get them out, don’t worry – they will eventually fall out on their own.
  • Finally, once the tick is removed, dispose of it immediately. You can either flush it down the toilet or place it in a sealed bag or container before throwing it away.

And that’s it! With a few simple steps, you can remove and kill ticks on your dog – and help keep them healthy and happy.

See Also: How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums Around Pool

How to Treat a Tick Bite Properly

If you find a tick attached to your skin, it's important to remove it properly to reduce the risk of infection.

The best way to remove a tick is with fine-tipped tweezers. Gently grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight up with steady pressure.

Avoid crushing the tick, which could release infected fluids into the wound. Once the tick is removed, clean the area with soap and water and disinfect the tweezers with rubbing alcohol.

How to Keep Ticks Away

How can you protect yourself from these pests? This includes

  • The best way to avoid ticks is to prevent them from getting on your body in the first place.
  • In addition, it's a good idea to do a tick check after spending time outdoors. Be sure to check all the nooks and crannies, especially in your hairline and under your arms.
  • If you find a tick, carefully remove it with a pair of tweezers.
  • Finally, remember that ticks are most active in the spring and summer months, so be extra vigilant during those times of the year.

When To Take Your Dog To The Veterinarian

As soon as you find a tick on your dog, it's best to take them to the vet for a checkup. This is especially important if your dog has never had a tick before.

Your vet will be able to determine if the tick is carrying any diseases and can also give you advice on how to prevent ticks in the future.

They may also recommend a tick-free prevention medication for your dog, which can help to keep them safe from ticks year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do ticks live?

Ticks can live for a very long time depending on the species and the climate conditions. The common dog tick, for example, can live up to 3 years without food. In general, ticks can survive without a blood meal for several months to over a year.

What ticks cause Lyme disease?

The deer tick or black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in the United States. This tick is found in wooded areas of the Northeast and upper Midwest, as well as some parts of California.

What is the best way to kill ticks?

Sprinkle the soil around your garden or on your lawn. When it comes to spraying weed oil, it's more than double the risk for deer to find ticks in their yards. Heat has proven to be effective at killing ticks.

Conclusion

If you see ticks crawling on your dog or on yourself, don't panic. Just follow the steps above to remove them safely and effectively.

Remember, the best way to avoid ticks is to take preventive measures, like using tick permethrin insecticide or other safe pesticides and doing regular tick checks.

If you have any concerns about ticks or Lyme disease, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

They can give you the best advice on how to keep your family and pets safe from these pesky pests.

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
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