Ticks aren’t just outdoor pests. These parasitic insects can hitch a ride on your pets or your clothing and end up in your home, which can lead to the presence of ticks in couches. Although getting rid of ticks on a couch can be difficult, there are some things you can do to address them.
What are ticks?
Ticks are parasites, which means they feed off other creatures. Specifically, ticks survive on human and animal blood. The pests are members of the arachnid family, making them relatives of spiders. Like their web-spinning kin, they have eight legs and a roundish body. However, unlike spiders, a tick’s head and abdomen are connected.
Dog and deer ticks are the most common types of ticks in the U.S. Dog ticks sometimes have white marks on their bodies, while deer ticks can be identified by their extended mouth parts and smooth backs.
Do ticks spread diseases?
Yes, ticks can spread disease. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses. Others include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. However, not all ticks carry viruses and bacteria, and the types of illnesses they may spread vary by region.
Life cycle of a tick
The tick life cycle has four stages and can last up to two to three years, depending on the species. All ticks start as eggs that hatch into larvae with six legs. During the larva stage, ticks usually feed off of animals.
Eventually, ticks will find a second host, either animal or human. At this point, they become eight-legged nymphs. The tick will usually molt and mature into an adult on the second host. Finally, adult ticks find a third host, where they mate. Females then lay eggs on the third host.
Can ticks infest a couch?
Ticks can get onto a couch or other pieces of furniture from a host like a pet or a person, or they can come in on clothing or items you store outside. Ticks need hosts to survive, but they can live in couches until they find a suitable host. The pests can go without food for a year or more, so they have no issue biding their time when needed.
How do I get rid of ticks on my couch?
Here are some simple steps you can take to remove a tick infestation from your couch:
Keep ticks contained
Ticks can hide in upholstered furniture, curtains, rugs, around window and door trim, and in baseboards. Once you find a tick on your couch, your first step should be to keep the infestation contained. Place anything removable, like throw pillows and arm covers, in zippered plastic storage bags. Then, place the sofa in a large pest control bag or wrap it in plastic.
Treat your pets
If you find a tick, your pet may be the carrier. Talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick medications and shampoos to find out what is right for your pet’s unique needs. If left unchecked, your infestation can quickly reoccur.
Check yourself
Check all over your body for ticks. They often hide in belly buttons, ears, along the scalp, behind the knees, along the waist, and between the legs, but you can find them anywhere. See your medical provider for removal and treatment if you find a tick. Everyone who lives in and has recently been in your home should also check themselves for ticks.
Be on the lookout for symptoms of tick-borne illnesses like chills, fever, body aches, skin rashes, and ulcers. If you or someone in your family develops symptoms, contact your medical provider, even if you didn’t find a tick during your checks.
Vacuum the area
Run the vacuum cleaner in the area around the sofa. Throw the sealed vacuum bag away in a covered outdoor garbage can or empty the canister into a garbage bag. Wear protective gloves and long sleeves while handling the vacuum bag or canister, and check yourself for ticks when you finish.
Call a professional pest control company
It can be difficult to kill ticks in a couch with home remedies and store-bought products. A professional pest control company has the tools and products necessary to best address tick infestations in your home.
Pest control services
If you find a tick on your couch or elsewhere in your home, contact Hawx Pest Control. Our licensed pest control technicians will thoroughly inspect your home to locate any other infestations and identify possible outdoor nesting sites. Then, our technicians will use state-of-the-art technologies and tools to treat the problem. Our team can also provide tips on keeping ticks off your couch in the future and recommend a maintenance treatment schedule as needed. Contact us today for your free estimate.
