Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are known carriers of dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and more. Understandably, no one wants ticks in their home or on their property. But can you actually vacuum them up to get rid of them? Let’s take a closer look.
Can a vacuum kill ticks?
Using a vacuum cleaner to suck up ticks is not an effective way to kill them. Here’s why:
- Ticks have hard outer shells that make them difficult to crush. The suction force of most household vacuums may not be strong enough to kill a tick.
- Even if you manage to suck up a tick, it could still be alive inside the vacuum cleaner bag or canister. Ticks can survive for long periods without air.
- The tick could eventually crawl back out of the vacuum. When you empty the vacuum or open it for maintenance, any live ticks can escape back into your home.
Some heavy-duty shop vacuums may have enough suction to kill ticks. However, this is not recommended. Any ticks or tick parts left inside the vacuum could potentially carry diseases.
Can vacuuming help control ticks?
While vacuuming up ticks won’t kill them, routine vacuuming can help reduce ticks in your home. Here are some tips:
- Use the crevice tool and vacuum between floorboards, under furniture, along baseboards, and in other cracks and crevices where ticks like to hide.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly, including under and around cushions.
- Secure the vacuum bag or canister immediately after use. Safely dispose of the bag outdoors.
- After vacuuming tick-infested areas, use a disinfectant spray on carpets and furniture. This will kill any ticks and tick larvae that were missed.
Frequent vacuuming removes ticks hiding in your home and reduces the risk of tick bites. But it likely won’t eliminate a tick infestation completely. Contact a pest control professional if vacuuming isn’t getting rid of all the ticks.
Other ways to kill and remove ticks
Here are some other, more effective ways to kill and remove ticks:
Use tweezers
If you find a tick on yourself or a pet, grasp it as close to the skin as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Pull straight up with steady pressure to remove the entire tick. Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick’s body. After removal, wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic.
Apply hot water
Dropping a tick into hot water (at least 113°F) will kill it quickly. This is an easy way to kill ticks you find crawling on surfaces. Make sure pets and children are kept away when using hot water.
Use tick control products
Pesticide sprays and powders can be applied in areas ticks are found to kill them. Always follow product instructions carefully. Diatomaceous earth and boric acid powders can also kill ticks through dehydration.
Work with a pest control company
For a serious tick problem, contact a professional pest control company. They have access to strong chemical treatments and tick-killing tools not available to consumers. They can treat your entire home and yard to eliminate ticks and prevent reinfestation.
How to keep ticks out of your home
Prevention is the best way to avoid issues with ticks in your house. Here are some tips:
- Clear tall grasses and brush around your home. Ticks love moist, shady areas.
- Discourage deer from entering your yard. Deer carry ticks.
- Apply pesticides or tick tubes around perimeter areas to repel ticks.
- Keep patios and play areas away from shrubs, woods, and leaf litter.
- Check pets, children, and yourself thoroughly for ticks after being outdoors.
- Shower as soon as possible after coming inside to wash off loose ticks.
- Seal cracks, install screens, and use caulk around windows and doors to keep ticks out.
Conclusion
Vacuuming is not an effective method for killing ticks that make their way indoors. The best use of a vacuum is to routinely clean cracks and crevices where they like to hide. Combine vacuuming with other prevention and control measures to protect your home from tick infestations. Speak with a pest professional if you need help getting rid of an established tick problem.