Finding a tick inside your home is a serious health risk because they can carry diseases like Lyme disease. Ticks usually hitchhike inside on pets, clothing, or children, but multiple sightings could signal an infestation.

If you spot a crawling tick, safely capture it with tweezers or tape and place it in a sealed container for testing. If it is attached to a person or pet, pull it straight upward with fine-tipped tweezers, then clean the area thoroughly.

After removing the tick, check your family, pets, bedding, and furniture for others. To eliminate further risks, wash clothing and bedding in hot water, vacuum the house completely, and keep pets on vet-approved tick preventatives.

Finally, monitor your household for symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a bull’s-eye rash for 30 days. If any signs of illness appear, contact a doctor immediately and mention the tick exposure.