At what temperature do ticks die? - briefly
Ticks generally die when exposed to temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) for a few minutes, and also at sustained sub‑zero conditions near –10 °C (14 °F).
At what temperature do ticks die? - in detail
Ticks are ectoparasites whose survival is strongly influenced by ambient temperature. Laboratory studies show that most ixodid species experience rapid mortality when exposed to temperatures above 55 °C (131 °F) for several minutes; exposure to 60 °C (140 °F) for less than one minute is uniformly lethal. Conversely, low‑temperature thresholds vary among life stages. Eggs and larvae can endure sub‑zero conditions, but prolonged exposure to –10 °C (14 °F) or lower for more than 24 hours significantly reduces hatch rates. Nymphs and adults generally succumb after 48 hours at –5 °C (23 °F) when moisture is present, because ice formation disrupts cellular membranes.
Key thermal limits identified in research:
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Heat‑induced death:
- 45 °C (113 °F): reduced activity, onset of desiccation.
- 55 °C (131 °F): >90 % mortality within 5 minutes.
- 60 °C (140 °F): 100 % mortality within 30 seconds.
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Cold‑induced death:
- –5 °C (23 °F): >50 % mortality of adults after 48 hours.
- –10 °C (14 °F): >80 % mortality of eggs and larvae after 24 hours.
- –20 °C (–4 °F): near‑complete mortality of all stages within 12 hours.
Species‑specific variations exist. For example, Dermacentor variabilis tolerates higher temperatures (up to 50 °C) before lethal effects appear, while Ixodes scapularis shows greater cold tolerance, surviving brief exposures to –15 °C. Relative humidity modifies these thresholds; dry heat accelerates desiccation, whereas moist cold conditions increase ice formation, both enhancing lethality.
Practical implications for control measures:
- Heat treatment of infested fabrics at 60 °C for at least 10 minutes reliably eliminates all stages.
- Freezing items at –20 °C for a minimum of 24 hours provides an effective non‑chemical method for killing ticks in bulk.
- Outdoor environments rarely reach temperatures that guarantee rapid tick death; therefore, reliance on natural climate alone is insufficient for pest management.
Understanding these temperature boundaries enables precise application of thermal interventions and informs risk assessments for tick‑borne disease transmission.