I think that we can all agree that we would rather not have a tick in our home, let alone embedded in our skin. It does happen at times, and when it does there are specific steps you should take.
These steps can go a long way in helping you to deal with the situation successfully. Not only will the tick be removed from you and your home, but if issues should happen in the future, you would know what to do.
Take the following steps when a tick is discovered.
1. Identify the Tick – When you see a tick in your home, your first reaction would be to get rid of it but you should determine what type of tick it is first. Some species are relatively benign but others can potentially be dangerous. Take pictures so that you can show a doctor or a pest control service.
2. Tick Removal – There is a lot of bad information about how to remove a tick from your skin. Never, ever burn it with a match, smother it with any type of gel, or quickly yank it from your skin. Rather, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and gently pull backward until the tick removes itself.
Incidentally, if you follow the bad advice of using a match to burn the tick, it could vomit under your skin. That’s just one reason it is a bad idea.
3. Tick Disposal – Disposing of the tick is relatively simple. Put it in a plastic baggie or container and throw it away in the garbage can. Don’t crush it, as you could release disease pathogens that could infect you.
4. Clean – Make sure you clean the area where the tick was attached with soap and water. You can also use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to disinfect the area.
5. Check – After cleaning the area where the tick was attached, begin searching for additional ticks. Check your body thoroughly for any others that may have attached themselves and look through your home. You can also check your pets for any ticks as well.
6. Prevention – Take the following steps to ensure that ticks will not be a part of your home or your life again.
Keep the home clean and clutter-free.
Seal up cracks that could allow ticks to come inside.
Treat your pets with tick repellent.
Check your family and your pets for ticks regularly after you are outdoors.
Most tick bites are not going to result in illness but there are some potential serious conditions that could occur, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. If you develop symptoms after being bitten by a tick, talk to your doctor right away.
It can be stressful when you find a tick attached to your skin or in your home. If you take action and follow our advice above, you will be in the best place possible.
