How long does a tick live on a person? - briefly
A tick generally stays attached to a human host for about two to seven days, depending on its species and developmental stage. If not removed, it will detach once it has completed feeding.
How long does a tick live on a person? - in detail
Ticks remain attached to a human host only while they are feeding. The feeding period varies by species and life stage:
- Larvae – 2 to 5 days.
- Nymphs – 3 to 7 days.
- Adult females – 5 to 10 days, sometimes up to 14 days in cooler climates.
Males typically do not feed for extended periods; they may stay on the skin for a few hours while searching for mates.
The duration is governed by several factors:
- Species – Ixodes scapularis (black‑legged tick) and Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) have the longest feeding intervals among common North American species.
- Temperature and humidity – Warm, moist conditions accelerate metabolism, shortening the feeding window; cold or dry environments can prolong it.
- Host response – Inflammation or grooming may cause the tick to detach prematurely.
- Engorgement level – Once an adult female reaches full engorgement, it detaches to lay eggs, ending the attachment.
A tick that is not removed after reaching its maximum feeding time will drop off voluntarily, typically within a few hours of detachment. However, prolonged attachment increases the risk of pathogen transmission. For most tick‑borne diseases, transmission requires at least 24–48 hours of feeding; some viruses may be passed sooner, but the probability rises sharply after the first day.
Prompt removal—using fine‑point tweezers to grasp the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure—halts further feeding and minimizes infection risk. After extraction, clean the bite site with antiseptic and monitor for symptoms for up to four weeks. If a tick remains attached beyond the typical feeding period for its stage, seek medical advice, as extended attachment suggests a higher likelihood of disease transmission.