How long can a tick live indoors? - briefly
Under typical indoor conditions, an unfed tick can survive from several months up to about a year, most commonly 6–12 months. Cooler temperatures and high humidity extend its lifespan, while dry, warm environments shorten it.
How long can a tick live indoors? - in detail
Ticks can survive inside a home for several weeks to a few months, depending on species, life stage, and environmental conditions. Adult females of the common deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) may live up to 12 months when temperature and humidity remain favorable, while larvae and nymphs typically persist for 2–4 weeks before needing a blood meal.
Key factors influencing indoor longevity:
- Temperature: Survival peaks between 20 °C and 30 °C (68 °F–86 °F). Below 10 °C (50 °F) metabolic rates drop, extending lifespan but reducing activity. Temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F) accelerate dehydration and death.
- Relative humidity: Levels above 70 % prevent desiccation. In dry air (<50 % humidity), ticks can lose water within days, dramatically shortening survival.
- Access to hosts: Without a suitable blood source, ticks enter a quiescent state. Adult females can endure several months without feeding, whereas larvae and nymphs may die after a few weeks of starvation.
- Species variation: The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) tolerates lower humidity and may survive up to 6 months indoors, while the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) generally lasts 1–2 months under similar conditions.
Control measures that reduce indoor survival time include maintaining indoor humidity below 50 %, keeping temperatures outside the optimal range, and promptly removing any found ticks. Regular vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding eliminates hiding places and reduces the chance of prolonged habitation.