What to Do If You Find a Tick in Your Home

Ticks aren’t just creepy — they can also pose serious health risks. These small pests can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, making it important to act quickly when you find one.

Depending on where you live, the time of year, and whether you have pets, tick encounters can be fairly common. If you do come across one, start by identifying the type — such as black-legged or dog tick — and isolate the area. Keep children and pets away from where the tick was spotted.

To protect yourself, wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing when handling the tick. Once removed, thoroughly clean any bedding, clothes, or furniture the tick may have touched. Wash items on high heat and vacuum carefully, especially in corners and crevices.

Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick. Grasp it as close to the skin as possible and gently pull upward without twisting, to avoid leaving the head behind. After removal, clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet. Monitor the bite site closely for any changes or symptoms, such as rashes or flu-like feelings, and seek medical attention if needed.

Being proactive can prevent serious illness. Share this advice to help others stay safe and tick-free.