Discovering a tick indoors can be alarming, as ticks carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Here’s a concise guide to address the situation:
Identify and Isolate: Determine the tick type—black-legged, dog, or brown dog tick. Limit access to the area, especially for pets and children.
Protect Yourself: Wear gloves and long sleeves before handling ticks or cleaning.
Thorough Cleaning: Wash bedding and clothing where the tick was found in hot water, then dry on high heat. Vacuum the area thoroughly, paying attention to corners and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister outdoors.