How long can a tick stay on clothing? - briefly
A tick can remain viable on a garment for up to about seven days, particularly in warm, humid conditions. After that period it usually succumbs to desiccation and dies.
How long can a tick stay on clothing? - in detail
Ticks can remain viable on fabrics for extended periods, often far longer than a typical outdoor exposure. Survival depends on species, life stage, ambient temperature, humidity, and the type of material.
Adult and nymph stages of hard ticks (Ixodidae) are most resilient. In moderate climates (15‑25 °C) with relative humidity above 80 %, they may persist for 7‑14 days without feeding. Cooler, dry conditions reduce activity; survival drops to 2‑4 days when humidity falls below 50 % and temperatures are below 10 °C. Soft ticks (Argasidae) can endure even longer, sometimes up to several weeks, because they tolerate lower humidity.
Key factors influencing duration on clothing:
- Temperature: Warm environments accelerate metabolism, shortening the period before desiccation; cold environments slow metabolism, extending survival.
- Humidity: High moisture slows dehydration, allowing ticks to stay alive longer.
- Life stage: Larvae survive fewer days than nymphs or adults because of smaller size and limited water reserves.
- Fabric type: Synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) retain less moisture than natural fibers (cotton, wool), leading to faster desiccation of the tick.
- Exposure to sunlight: Direct UV radiation damages tick cuticle, reducing lifespan dramatically, often to less than 24 hours.
Practical implications:
- Ticks found on clothing after a short walk in a humid forest can remain capable of attachment for up to a week.
- In dry, hot summer conditions, the same tick may lose viability within 48 hours.
- Regularly shaking out garments, washing in hot water (≥60 °C), and tumble‑drying for at least 10 minutes effectively kill surviving ticks.
Overall, a tick may stay on apparel anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks, contingent on environmental conditions and the tick’s developmental stage.