How long does a tick feed on blood? - briefly
A tick usually remains attached for three to seven days while it engorges, with some species extending feeding up to ten days. The exact period depends on the tick’s life stage and environmental conditions.
How long does a tick feed on blood? - in detail
Ticks remain attached for a period that varies with species, developmental stage, and environmental conditions.
Adult females of the common deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) typically feed for 5 – 7 days, achieving full engorgement before detaching. Males of the same species may feed intermittently for up to 3 days, often withdrawing to mate. Larval stages of Ixodes species usually complete a blood meal in 1 – 3 days, while nymphs require 3 – 5 days to become fully engorged.
Other species display similar but distinct timelines. The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) adult females feed for 3 – 5 days; larvae and nymphs complete feeding in 1 – 2 days. The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) adult females may remain attached for 6 – 9 days, with nymphs feeding for 3 – 4 days.
Feeding proceeds in two phases. The initial slow phase lasts 24‑48 hours, during which the tick inserts its hypostome and secretes anticoagulant and immunomodulatory compounds. The subsequent rapid phase begins after the tick’s weight doubles, accelerating blood intake and lasting the remaining days of attachment.
Factors influencing duration include ambient temperature (higher temperatures shorten feeding time), host immune response (stronger responses may cause earlier detachment), and the tick’s engorgement threshold (species‑specific weight gain required for molting or egg production).
Pathogen transmission is linked to feeding duration. Most bacteria, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, require at least 36 hours of attachment before successful transfer, whereas viruses and protozoa may be transmitted earlier. Consequently, prompt removal within the first 24 hours markedly reduces infection risk.
Typical feeding periods by stage and species
- Ixodes scapularis
- Larva: 1‑3 days
- Nymph: 3‑5 days
- Adult female: 5‑7 days
- Dermacentor variabilis
- Larva/nymph: 1‑2 days
- Adult female: 3‑5 days
- Amblyomma americanum
- Nymph: 3‑4 days
- Adult female: 6‑9 days
Understanding these timelines assists in effective tick management and disease prevention.