Question 1

Why dry garments before washing them? Won't drying the garments after washing them do the same thing?

Accepted Answer

According to AARP Healthy Living article "To Kill Ticks: Dry Clothes, Then Wash Them" studies are cited that clothes should be dried first, then washed.  If clothes are washed first, the added moisture is likely to keep the clothes from becoming dry & hot enough to kill the ticks.  The CDC recommends placing clothes directly in your dryer on high heat after coming in from the outdoors to kill any unseen ticks.  
 
Also, many people do not perform a wash cycle every time they come in from the outdoors, and/or people do not want to wash items such as: bags & packs, hunting clothes, play clothes and other items that are not practical to wash.

Question 2

Why use TermiTick and not just put clothes directly in dryer?

Accepted Answer

A:  The purpose of the TermiTick is to avoid putting dirty/Tick infested clothing in a clean home dryer.  Many people do not want to place dirty clothes in a home dryer and then place their clean family clothes in the same dryer.

Question 3

What kills the Ticks?

Accepted Answer

A: It is the combination of the high heat and low humidity (dryness) environment created from a dryer.  (Tick can survive a wash cycle). 
https://tickencounter.org/ticksmart/tips

Question 4

What is the CDC recommendation to kill unseen ticks on clothing?

Accepted Answer

A: Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Place clothes into a dryer on high heat to kill ticks.  If clothes are damp, additional time is needed.
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html

Question 5

What do you do with clothes after dryer cycle in the TermiTick?

Accepted Answer

A:  The purpose is to eliminate the threat of live Ticks.  Once garments go through the dryer cycle and the unseen ticks are killed, treat the clothing as you normally would (Shake out bag/clothing and reuse, or place in laundry for a wash cycle).

Question 6

Can the TermiTIck be washed?

Accepted Answer

A:  Yes, It can be washed but it is recommended to shake out and spot wash as needed to avoid any potential snags that may happen in a washer machine.

Question 7

What are other benefits of the TermiTick?

Accepted Answer

A: Lice & Bed Bugs that are on garments and other items (i.e. Teddy Bears) can be killed in the dryer: 
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/treatment.html (Lice);
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/Module10.pdf(Lice) 
https://www.ncsl.org/Portals/1/Documents/environ/envhealth/Bed_Bug_PP_11-16.pdf (Bed Bugs).
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/Getting_the_Bed_Bugs_Out_Guide_442175_7.pdf (Bed Bugs).
The TermiTick can be used to dry unwashed clothing/garments that may be damp but not practical to wash (i.e. book bags, hunting clothes, outdoor play clothes).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions