I like to think of myself as someone who loves and understands all creatures. Even spiders and snakes don’t bother me—but ticks are the exception.
I’ll admit it: I wouldn’t miss them if they disappeared. They’re not just annoying and skin-crawling; they can be dangerous, carrying diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Depending on where you live, the season, and whether you have pets, you may see them often.
So what should you do if you find a tick in your home?
Identify and isolate
Figure out what type of tick it is and keep kids and pets away from the area.
Protect yourself
Wear gloves and long sleeves so the tick can’t latch onto your skin.
Clean thoroughly
Wash any clothing or bedding it touched on high heat. Vacuum carefully, especially in corners and crevices.
Remove the tick
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab it close to the skin and pull upward slowly without twisting. Clean the bite with alcohol or soapy water. Kill the tick with alcohol or flush it.
Monitor the bite
Keep an eye on the bite area and watch for any symptoms.