Researchers from Ohio State University have found that two disease-causing tick species can survive on various types of flooring common to homes longer than expected. The researchers used two species of Amblyomma ticks, A. maculatum (Gulf Coast tick) and A. americanum (lone star), which spread various ailments including alpha-gal syndrome, a.k.a. the red meat allergy. They found that ticks could live on surfaces for at least a week and up to about a month. The study highlighted the need for thorough checks on yourself and your pets for ticks after visiting endemic areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that any found attached ticks should be removed, while unattached ticks on clothing can be killed through tumble-drying.