Ticks, those tiny bloodsuckers, pose significant health risks to our beloved pets. From causing tick paralysis in dogs to transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, tularemia, and babesiosis, these parasites should not be taken lightly.
Unlike fleas, which are more noticeable when jumping or itching, ticks can go unnoticed due to their stealthy behavior. They can fly under the radar, and we often realize we have a tick problem at home when our pets show signs of illness. This underscores the importance of regular, thorough tick checks.
The peak season for tick activity typically spans from April to September, with heightened activity in late summer, fall, and even winter. However, regardless of the season, as long as temperatures remain above freezing, our pets' risk of tick infestation persists.
Can Ticks Find Indoors?
First, the reassuring news is that not all tick species are keen on cozying indoors. Deer ticks, for instance, typically don't last more than a day indoors.
Even better, certain types of ticks, like American dogs and lone star ticks, prefer laying eggs on soil surfaces and steering clear of indoor environments. So, you're less likely to encounter a full-blown infestation with these varieties.
Now, onto the less rosy part: Around 900 tick species worldwide, about 90 call the United States home. So, if your furry friend picks up a tick during their outdoor adventures, you could face two scenarios.
One possibility is having to delve into methods for eradicating ticks from your yard. Alternatively, your pet might bring home a tick species that's quite content to lounge indoors.
Enter the brown dog tick—the most common indoor tick. These little critters feel right at home within household confines or even in dog kennels, easily completing their life cycle indoors.
Brown dog ticks thrive in colder climates or areas too harsh for many other tick species. This adaptability to indoor living sets them apart.
While brown dog ticks typically target dogs as hosts, they may also latch onto cats, posing risks like Ehrlichia transmission. Animals affected by Ehrlichia can suffer from fever, neurological issues, eye disorders, and, in severe cases, even fatalities.
Get Rid Of Ticks From The House
Many methods for eliminating ticks from your home closely mirror those used to tackle flea infestations.
Sealants
As previously mentioned, ticks like to hide in nooks and crannies. Therefore, sealing up gaps to prevent ticks from escaping and fortifying your home to prevent them from entering can significantly aid in combating a tick infestation.
Sprays
When dealing with a stubborn tick infestation, consider using tick sprays to eliminate ticks in your home. These sprays are user-friendly and boast high success rates, with some providing protection for up to two weeks.
However, handling these sprays with care is crucial, especially in concentrated doses, as they can pose risks to pets and young children if not used properly. To prevent any potential harm, ensure that the sprayed areas are completely dry before allowing pets and young children back into the house.
Vacumn
Like fleas, ticks are adept at sneaking into hidden corners of your home, making it easy to overlook their presence until it's too late.
To tackle this, start by meticulously vacuuming your home, paying extra attention to crevices, gaps, and dimly lit or overlooked areas. Then, direct your attention to the spots where your pet often lounges or rests.
Maintain a daily vacuuming routine until you're confident all ticks have been eradicated from your home.
Dry
Ticks tend to avoid dry and warm environments. Place your linens, pet bedding, and toys in a dryer and select the high heat setting if feasible. Wait to wash these items beforehand, as this could create moisture in the dryer. The goal is to generate a thoroughly dry environment to eliminate ticks effectively.
After the items have been in the dryer for at least 15 minutes, wash them, and if desired, return them to the dryer for further drying. This process helps ensure that ticks are eradicated efficiently.
Get Rid Of Ticks From Your Pet
Successfully eliminating ticks from your home requires thorough attention to your furry companions. If you're dealing with a tick infestation, chances are your pet is playing host to one or more ticks.
Ticks are notorious for burrowing into hard-to-reach spots on your pet's body, so it's essential to inspect them carefully, paying close attention to their heads and ears.
While a visit to the veterinarian is advisable if you're concerned about tick bites, you can also remove ticks yourself. Use a specialized tick removal tool or a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick firmly by its head, not its body, ensuring complete removal. Pull straight up and away from your pet's skin without twisting.
After removal, thoroughly inspect your pet's skin to ensure no parts of the tick, especially its head, remain embedded. Clean the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
To prevent disease transmission, avoid handling the removed tick with your bare hands. Instead, dispose of it in a small amount of alcohol and keep its carcass in a sealed container for a few days while monitoring your pet for any signs of illness.
While manually checking for ticks can be time-consuming, especially during an infestation, it's essential to control the problem.
Flea And Tick Preventatives And Medications
Regular use of tick-preventative medications is crucial to eliminate ticks your pet may currently harbor and shield them from potential future infestations. An added perk of these medications is their effectiveness against fleas as well.
One leading product in the market is Bravecto, available in chewable form or as a topical spot-on for dogs and cats. Unlike monthly treatments, Bravecto offers up to 12 weeks of protection (8 weeks for lone star ticks), making it a best option for pet owners.
Another practical choice is Frontline Plus, a monthly spot-on treatment that kills ticks and fleas and repels mosquitoes. Although applying topical treatments directly onto pets may not suit everyone, it benefits pets unwilling to swallow or chew tablets. Frontline Plus safeguards pets against various tick species, including the American dog, lone star, black-legged (deer), and brown dog ticks. It can be safely used on puppies and kittens aged eight weeks or older.
Collars are another valuable tool, especially during peak flea and tick seasons like summer. The Seresto flea collar provides long-lasting protection (up to 8 months) against fleas and ticks, effectively preventing tick infestations within 48 hours of wear. Fit the collar around your pet's neck snugly enough to accommodate two fingers underneath, ensuring direct contact with your pet's skin for optimal effectiveness.
Preventing Tick Infestations For Future
Even after successfully eliminating all ticks from your home, repeat infestations remain a possibility. Implementing a few straightforward preventative measures can significantly reduce this risk.
Keep Checking Your Pet
Make it a habit to regularly check your pet's health to ensure they're in top condition. Conduct visual and tactile inspections of your pet, particularly after walks or hikes in heavily wooded or tick-infested areas, to ensure no ticks hide in their fur.
Flea And Tick Preventatives
Flea and tick medications like Bravecto and Frontline Plus are meant for regular use, not just during efforts to eliminate ticks from your home.
Following the recommended usage guidelines—whether monthly or every 12 weeks—provides your pet with year-round protection, significantly lowering the risk of tick or flea infestations in your home.
