Having trouble with seed ticks on the body? Use a Bleach Bath to Kill Seed Ticks at home at a minimal cost.
You can be an animal or insect lover but nobody likes ticks. Especially because they can transmit various types of diseases to you and your kids. Besides, if by chance you live in an area that is prone to seed ticks, you know how annoying and frustrating they can be. If you take them lightly as some random insects in the house who’ll leave the house at some point, you’re highly mistaken! These ticks need you or your pet to survive as they feed on the blood of animals and humans. They can carry various diseases like Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Even though you decide to clean your whole house and assume that they are gone, we assure you that they’d still be there!
These are pesky creatures who are hard to get rid of and even cleaning products might not prove effective. Even washing your whole house wouldn’t be effective! So what’s the rescue you ask? Well, these creatures despise the smell of bleach as much as we despise them. This is because bleach dissolves the outer layer of the tick’s body and kills them instantly. That’s how bleach might be the answer to all your ticks’ miseries!
What Are Seed Ticks?
Seed ticks are creatures that are in the larva stage of their life. They can be referred to as parasites since they feed on the blood of animals and humans. They belong to the arachnids class which also includes spiders and mites. Since the tick is in the larva stage of its life, it must find a host to feed on to be able to grow further. They appear as pale seeds with six legs. However, if the tick is dark in color with eight legs, the tick is in its nymph or adult stage.
If you ever find a tick in your house, you are free to assume that it’s not just one tick! Seed ticks often attack in large groups and once in contact with the human body, they can cause pustules and papules on the skin. If the tick has come in contact with an infected person, it can supposedly pass on the disease to the next host.
Also See: Does Bleach Kill Silverfish | How to Get Rid of Silverfish
What Is A Bleach Bath?Â
Before preparing the bleach bath, you should consider that you must use diluted household bleach only. This is because other bleaches have high concentrations of chemicals in them that can irritate the skin and cause redness and itching. Diluted household bleach has been a popular choice for many people since ages to treat skin conditions. Bleach is infamous for treating skin conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis.
If you notice seed ticks in your home or on your skin, you can safely rely on a bleach bath to get rid of them. You can perform a bleach bath two ways, one way is to add a little bleach in the bathtub and the second is to use a washcloth. Both ways are described below.
#1 Add Bleach in Bath Tub
Things You Need:
- Household Bleach
- Warm Water
- Bath Tub
Add lukewarm water to the bathtub and pour half a cup of household bleach into the tub. Use your hand to mix the water and bleach. Step into the water and slightly rub your skin parts where you suppose the seed tick has bitten you. Soak in the water for at most 5-10 minutes. The best time to do this is right before you sleep since you’ll be inactive at the night and this will deter the ticks away.
#2 Use a Washcloth
Things You Need:
- Microfiber Washcloth
- Household Bleach
- Warm Water
Mix warm water and household bleach in a container or tub. Dip the washcloth in the water and stir for a while. Next, use the washcloth to rub the areas of your skin with the seed ticks bites. However, it’s better to rub it all over the body before going to bed at night.
Note: You may need to consult a doctor or dermatologist for treatment if you have a severe infestation of seed ticks. Bleach baths are not recommended for children or pregnant women.
Benefits Of Killing Seed Ticks With A Bleach Bath
There are several benefits of using a bleach bath to kill seed ticks. Some of them are:
- Seed ticks can transmit various diseases to humans from one host to another.
- A bleach bath is an effective way to kill seed ticks and prevent them from spreading illness.
- Bleach baths are inexpensive as well and easy to prepare.
Drawbacks Of Killing Seed Ticks With A Bleach Bath
- Bleach baths can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
- People with sensitive skin may experience redness, itchiness, or burning after a bleach bath.
- It is essential to ensure that the bleach solution is not too concentrated, as this can increase the risk of irritation.
- If you have any cuts or open wounds, it is essential to avoid bleach baths altogether.
Important Considerations
- Seed ticks are tiny, so it is essential to use a fine-toothed comb to remove them from the skin.
- Be sure to use gloves when handling bleach, and avoid getting the solution in your eyes or mucous membranes.
- Use household bleach only.
- Do not leave the bleach solution on the skin for more than five minutes.
- Rinse the skin thoroughly with clean water after the treatment.
Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist if you have any concerns about using bleach on your skin. They can give you more information and advice on safely using this treatment method.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can use a bleach bath to kill seed ticks. Just follow the instructions carefully and take all the necessary precautions. If done correctly, a bleach bath will effectively kill your body’s seed ticks. However, it’s important to remember that this method is not foolproof, and there is always a chance that some ticks may survive. But, a bleach bath is a safe and effective way to kill seed ticks. Give it a try next time you are infested with these pesky critters!