If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you probably already know the basics of tick prevention—wearing long sleeves, using repellent, and doing a tick check after hikes or yard work. But what many people overlook is the one place where ticks can continue to linger long after you’ve come inside: your car.
Ticks are sneaky. They don’t just latch onto skin or clothing. They can crawl off into your vehicle’s interior and hide out in quiet, dark corners. Whether you’re returning from a hunting trip, camping weekend, or just a walk in the park with your dog, you might unknowingly bring a few hitchhikers along for the ride.
How Do Ticks Get in Your Car?
Ticks are expert travelers. They cling to clothing, shoes, backpacks, and pet fur. Once you’re back in your car, they can easily drop off and burrow into fabric, carpeting, or crevices. You may not notice them right away, especially if they’re in the nymph stage and about the size of a poppy seed.
This is more than just a creepy thought. A hidden tick in your car can eventually find its way to you or a loved one, even days later. That makes your vehicle a potential hotspot for unexpected tick bites.
Where Ticks Tend to Hide
The interior of your car has more tick-friendly spots than you might think. Here are some of the most common:
- Floor mats and carpeting: These textured areas give ticks something to cling to after falling off clothing or shoes.
- Seat cushions and fabric seams: Ticks often slip into the tight creases of cloth seats, especially if they’re dropped from gear or outerwear.
- Trunk space: If you toss backpacks, blankets, or hunting gear in the trunk, any attached ticks can transfer to the lining and go unnoticed.
- Pet travel zones: Ticks can easily crawl from your dog’s fur onto the seat or into small gaps around the car.
- Around seatbelts and door panels: These small, shaded crevices are cozy places for a tick to hang out undetected.
Prevention Starts With Awareness
If you’ve been in a tick-prone area, take a moment to shake out your clothes and inspect yourself and your pets before getting into the car. After outdoor activities, store gear in sealed containers or bins when possible. Regularly vacuum the seats and floors, especially fabric areas, to eliminate any ticks that may have dropped.
Make it a habit to do a quick tick check once you’re home and check your car regularly if outdoor adventures are part of your lifestyle.
Be Ready If You Find a Tick
Even with the best habits, ticks can still find their way into your life. That’s why it’s smart to keep a tick removal tool close by. The Original Tick Key™ is compact, simple to use, and incredibly effective at removing ticks from people and pets without leaving parts behind.
Keep one in your glove box or backpack, so you’re always prepared. The Original Tick Key™ is available from TickKey International, Inc., with options to purchase online or in stores across the U.S. and internationally. It even makes a thoughtful gift for your fellow outdoor lovers. Visit us online to find a retailer near you and keep your tick defense strong wherever your travels take you.
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