How long can a house tick live? - briefly
A house tick may persist for up to three to six months when conditions are stable and food is available. Unfed stages survive only a few weeks, with longevity decreasing sharply without a host.
How long can a house tick live? - in detail
The lifespan of a house tick varies markedly with species, developmental stage, and environmental conditions. Adult females of the common domestic species can survive several months without a blood meal, while males typically live shorter periods, often a few weeks. Larvae and nymphs generally persist for weeks to a few months, depending on humidity and temperature.
Key factors influencing longevity:
- Temperature: Moderate warmth (15‑25 °C) extends survival; extreme heat accelerates desiccation, and cold slows metabolism but may cause mortality if prolonged.
- Relative humidity: Values above 70 % prevent dehydration; low humidity reduces lifespan dramatically, especially for immature stages.
- Host availability: Access to blood meals prolongs adult life, particularly for engorged females that can lay eggs over several weeks.
- Seasonal cycles: In temperate regions, ticks may enter diapause during winter, remaining dormant for several months before reactivating in spring.
Laboratory observations report maximum adult survival of up to 12 months under optimal conditions (stable temperature, high humidity, regular feeding). Field studies show typical adult longevity of 2‑6 months, with occasional individuals persisting through an entire year when sheltered in human dwellings.
Eggs hatch within 1‑2 weeks, and the complete life cycle—from egg to adult—can be completed in 2‑3 months when hosts are abundant. In the absence of hosts, each stage may extend its duration, allowing the tick to endure unfavorable periods.
In summary, a house tick can live from a few weeks to over a year, with adult females achieving the longest survival when environmental parameters are favorable and regular blood meals are available.