How Long Do Ticks Live in a House?
Ticks are ectoparasites. That means they’re parasites that live outside their hosts’ bodies. They feed on the blood of animals and people and are often found in wooded and grassy areas.
But what happens when they find their way inside your house? This article explores how long ticks can survive indoors and what you should do if you find one.
Understanding tick behavior and taking steps to prevent them from entering your home is important for protecting yourself, your family, and your pets from the many diseases that ticks can carry.
How ticks enter homes
Ticks are tiny, but they can find their way into your house in a number of ways.
Pets as carriers
Your furry friends can easily pick up ticks during outdoor playtime and carry them inside. That’s why it’s important to check your pets for ticks regularly, especially after they’ve been romping around in wooded or grassy areas.
Talk with your veterinarian about tick prevention products you can use on your pets.
On clothing or gear
Ticks can also hitch a ride on your clothing, backpacks, and other gear. After you’ve been outside, take a few minutes to inspect your clothing for ticks. Wearing light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot them.
Through wildlife
Mice, rats, and other rodents can transport ticks into your yard and even into your house. To keep wildlife out, seal up any cracks or openings in your foundation.
Can Ticks Survive Indoors?
Ticks need two things to survive: moisture and a host.
Ticks require a certain level of humidity so they don’t dry out and die, and they need access to a blood meal so they can move forward in their life cycle.
Because of these requirements, most ticks can’t complete their life cycle indoors.
How Long Ticks Can Live Indoors
Most tick species can only survive for a few days indoors without a host, according to research from Cornell University. Typically, that survival time is only 2 or 3 days.
Brown dog ticks are an exception. They can potentially complete their entire life cycle indoors, especially in kennels or in homes with dogs.
Ticks’ Hiding Places Inside Homes
If ticks are brought into your home, they’ll seek out dark, humid places to hide, such as:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Pet bedding
- Cracks and crevices in walls and floors
Signs of an Indoor Tick Infestation
Here are some things to look for if you think you have ticks living in your home:
- Finding ticks on pets: Check your animals regularly, especially around their ears, neck, and between their toes.
- Discovering ticks on furniture or bedding: Take a close look at your furniture and bedding, especially where your pets like to hang out.
- Unexplained bites: If you or your family members are getting bitten and you don’t know why, ticks could be the culprit.
How to handle indoor tick infestations
If you’ve found ticks in your home, act quickly to get rid of them before they can settle in.
Cleaning and sanitation
- Thoroughly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Vacuum frequently and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
- Wash bedding and linens in hot water and dry on high heat. Heat is an effective way to kill ticks and their eggs.
- Steam clean carpets, rugs, and hard-to-reach spots.
Tick removal
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks promptly and correctly. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Try not to twist or jerk the tick.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water or antiseptic.
- Consider using a tick removal tool like the Original Tick Key™.
Professional pest control
For ongoing or severe infestations, it’s often best to call in a pest control pro. These professionals have the experience and equipment to get rid of ticks in your home. Terminix, for example, offers professional tick control services.
How to keep ticks out of your house
The best way to deal with ticks in the house is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. You can do this by:
- Mowing your lawn and clearing away leaf litter to eliminate tick habitats. Creating a barrier between your yard and wooded areas with wood chips or gravel can also help.
- Using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or permethrin before going outside.
- Talking to your vet about tick prevention products for your pets.
Putting It All Together
Ticks don’t usually live very long indoors without a host, but it’s important to prevent them from getting inside in the first place.
Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks regularly, especially after spending time outdoors. Keep your yard well-maintained to discourage ticks from setting up shop. And use appropriate preventative medications on your pets.
Tick bites can transmit diseases, so be aware of the signs and symptoms. If you develop a rash or fever after a tick bite, seek medical attention right away. Taking these steps can help protect you and your family from the risks associated with ticks.