How long does a tick live on laundry? - briefly
Ticks cannot survive more than a few hours on dry, washed clothing; in low‑humidity conditions they die within 12 hours, while higher humidity may extend survival to roughly one day.
How long does a tick live on laundry? - in detail
Ticks can remain viable on fabric for a limited period, depending on environmental factors and the stage of the tick. Adult and nymphal ticks survive longer than larvae because of larger reserves of energy and water.
Survival on dry laundry:
- In a warm, humid environment (relative humidity > 80 % and temperature 20‑30 °C), adult ticks may stay alive for up to 48 hours. Nymphs can persist for 24‑36 hours, while larvae survive 12‑24 hours.
- In a cool, dry setting (relative humidity < 50 % and temperature < 15 °C), survival drops sharply. Adults typically die within 12‑18 hours, nymphs within 8‑12 hours, and larvae within 4‑6 hours.
Effect of laundering processes:
- Machine washing at ≥ 40 °C with detergent removes ticks and causes mortality within minutes. Even lower temperatures (30 °C) combined with vigorous agitation result in high mortality, though some hardy nymphs may survive up to 5 minutes before desiccation.
- Drying in a tumble dryer at ≥ 50 °C eradicates all stages within seconds. Air‑drying at ambient temperature does not guarantee death; ticks may persist for several hours if humidity remains high.
Key considerations for preventing tick exposure from clothing:
- Prompt removal of clothing from outdoor activities reduces the window for tick attachment.
- Immediate washing with soap and hot water eliminates most ticks.
- High‑heat drying provides an additional safety step, especially for items that cannot be washed at high temperatures.
Overall, ticks do not endure on laundered fabric beyond a few dozen hours under typical indoor conditions, and standard washing and drying procedures effectively neutralize them. «The survival window is brief, but timely laundering is essential to prevent potential bite risk».