How long do ticks live on clothing at home? - briefly
Ticks can stay alive on indoor clothing for up to two weeks in dry environments, extending to about a month when humidity is high.
How long do ticks live on clothing at home? - in detail
Ticks can remain viable on personal garments kept inside a residence for several weeks, depending on species, life stage, temperature, and humidity. Adult females of the common deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) may survive up to 12 days at room temperature (20‑22 °C) with relative humidity above 70 %. Nymphs and larvae, being smaller, tend to desiccate faster; under the same conditions they usually last 5‑7 days. In cooler, drier environments (e.g., 10 °C and 40 % humidity) survival drops sharply, often to 2‑3 days for all stages.
Key factors influencing longevity on clothing:
- Ambient temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate metabolism, shortening lifespan; lower temperatures prolong survival but may induce dormancy.
- Relative humidity: Moisture levels above 60 % prevent desiccation; below that threshold, ticks lose water and die quickly.
- Life stage: Adults endure longer than nymphs and larvae because of larger body reserves.
- Species variation: Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) tolerate drier conditions better than Ixodes species, extending survival by 2‑3 days under identical humidity.
- Fabric type: Natural fibers (cotton, wool) retain moisture, slightly increasing survivability; synthetic materials dry faster, reducing tick endurance.
Practical implications:
- Inspect clothing after outdoor exposure; shake or tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill attached ticks.
- Store rarely used garments in sealed containers or refrigerate them if prolonged storage is needed.
- Regularly launder items in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat; this eliminates ticks at any developmental stage.
Overall, without deliberate removal or treatment, ticks are unlikely to persist on indoor clothing beyond two weeks, with most dying within the first week under typical household conditions.