How does a tick settle on the skin? - briefly
A tick climbs onto a host, pierces the epidermis with its hypostome, and releases a cement‑like saliva that secures its grip while it feeds. The attachment persists until the tick becomes engorged, after which it releases the cement and drops off.
How does a tick settle on the skin? - in detail
Ticks locate a host by sensing heat, carbon‑dioxide, and vibrations. When a suitable organism passes, the tick climbs onto the surface and anchors its front legs. The legs contain sensory organs that confirm the presence of skin. Once contact is made, the tick extends its hypostome, a barbed feeding tube, and inserts it into the epidermis. Salivary glands release anticoagulants, anti‑inflammatory agents, and immunomodulators that prevent clotting and reduce host detection. Cement proteins secreted from the salivary duct solidify around the mouthparts, creating a stable attachment that can last several days.
The attachment proceeds through defined phases:
- Attachment – forelegs grasp the skin, hypostome penetrates, cement forms.
- Slow feeding – saliva continues to suppress host defenses; the tick expands its body with blood.
- Rapid engorgement – blood intake accelerates; the tick’s weight may increase severalfold.
- Detachment – after feeding, the cement dissolves, and the tick drops off.
Removal should be performed with fine tweezers, grasping the mouthparts close to the skin and applying steady upward traction. Cutting or crushing the tick risks releasing additional saliva and increasing infection risk.