These tiny pests carry serious diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Clearly, they’re not the kind of house guests you want.

Depending on where you live, the season, and whether you have pets, the chances of encountering ticks can be high. So, what should you do if one shows up in your home?

Identify and Isolate the Problem
First, identify the type of tick—black-legged, dog, or brown dog tick. If the tick is in a specific area, keep children and pets away until you handle it.

Take Protective Steps
To prevent ticks from latching onto you, wear gloves and long sleeves. Cover your skin as much as possible while handling the pest.

Clean Thoroughly
Wash any clothing or bedding that the tick touched in hot water. Vacuum the area carefully, paying attention to corners and crevices.

Remove the Tick Safely
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward slowly—avoid twisting or jerking. This prevents the tick’s head from breaking off and staying in your skin.

After removal, clean the bite area with alcohol or soapy water. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or using alcohol.

Monitor the Bite
Keep an eye on the bite site and watch for symptoms in anyone who was bitten. Early detection is key to preventing serious illness.

Stay alert and take action quickly. Share this article on Facebook to help others protect their homes.