How long can a tick survive in clothing? - briefly
Under typical indoor conditions, a tick can remain alive in a garment for approximately 2–5 days, with warm, humid environments potentially extending survival to about a week. After this period the insect usually desiccates and dies.
How long can a tick survive in clothing? - in detail
Ticks can remain viable in fabric for several days to weeks, depending on species, developmental stage, and environmental conditions. Laboratory observations indicate that unfed nymphs and adults of Ixodes scapularis survive up to 14 days at 22 °C with relative humidity above 80 %. When temperature drops to 10 °C, survival extends to 30 days or more, provided moisture is retained. Larvae are more sensitive to desiccation; they typically persist for 3–5 days under the same humid conditions but may last up to 10 days if humidity stays above 90 %.
Key factors influencing longevity in clothing:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate metabolic loss and dehydration, shortening survival.
- Humidity: Moist environments delay desiccation; low humidity leads to rapid death.
- Stage of development: Adults and nymphs possess larger reserves of water and energy, granting longer endurance than larvae.
- Feeding status: Engorged ticks retain more fluids and can survive longer than unfed individuals.
- Material type: Fibrous, breathable fabrics (cotton, wool) retain moisture better than synthetic blends, enhancing tick survival.
Practical implications: removing clothing promptly after outdoor exposure reduces the window for tick attachment. Washing garments in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 10 minutes kills ticks outright. Dry heat (dryer at high temperature for 20 minutes) is equally effective. If immediate laundering is impossible, storing clothes in a sealed bag for a minimum of 48 hours at low temperature (< 5 °C) will cause mortality in most unfed stages.
In summary, ticks may persist in apparel from a few days up to a month, with the longest survivals occurring under cool, humid conditions, in adult or nymph stages, and within moisture‑retaining fabrics. Prompt removal, laundering, or exposure to extreme temperatures reliably eliminates the risk.