Found this in our bed: What you need to know about ticks and how to safely handle them

Did you know that ticks may not only seem to be nasty creatures, but they are also very dangerous insects? 🦟🪳 These tiny parasites carry serious diseases such a Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever so discovering them at home is already a cause of panic! 🧐😱 So, what to do in that case? 🤔🤨 I will share what you need to know in this article! 👇

I’ve always considered myself someone who treats all creatures with kindness and understanding. I’m pretty tolerant when it comes to insects and pests… but ticks? That’s a different story entirely.

Ticks are more than just a nuisance – they pose a real threat. These tiny parasites are known to carry serious diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, so discovering one in your home is definitely not something to take lightly.

The chances of encountering a tick in your living space depend on various factors, like where you live, the season, and whether you have pets. But if you do find one, it’s important to know how to deal with it properly.

Let’s break down what you need to do if you find a tick in your home:

Step 1: Identify and Isolate the Problem

The first thing you should do is try to identify what type of tick you’re dealing with – whether it’s a black-legged tick, a dog tick, or a brown dog tick. If you find one in a specific area, make sure to keep pets and children away until you’ve dealt with it.

Step 2: Take Precautions

Ticks can be tricky to handle, so it’s important to protect yourself when removing them. Minimize direct contact by using protective gloves and full arm coverage.

Step 3: Clean Thoroughly

If you’ve found a tick, it’s essential to wash any clothing and bedding it may have come into contact with in hot water. Vacuum the entire area thoroughly, focusing on cleaning the corners and crevices thoroughly, as ticks can easily hide in these areas.

Step 4: Removing the Tick

Carefully clamp onto the tick with sharp-tipped tweezers to extract it and grab it as near to the surface of the skin as you can. Pull the tick out gently in a straight line, making sure not to twist or yank it, which could cause the head to stay embedded in the skin.

Sanitize the skin where the tick was removed by applying alcohol or washing with soap and water. To discard the tick, place it in alcohol or dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet.

Step 5: Monitor the Bite Area

Observe the site carefully in the following days for any signs of worsening or discomfort. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if the area becomes red or swollen, get medical help immediately.

Ticks can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to act quickly if you discover one in your home. Keep a watchful eye and take the essential measures to safeguard yourself and those you care about.