How long does a tick live on the head? - briefly
A tick can stay attached to a scalp for about three to seven days while it feeds, after which it usually drops off. If left unchecked, some species may survive up to two weeks before detaching.
How long does a tick live on the head? - in detail
A tick that attaches to the scalp can remain there for several days, depending on species, life stage, and environmental conditions.
Adult Ixodes scapularis (black‑legged tick) generally feeds for 3–5 days before detaching. Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) may stay attached for 4–7 days. Larval and nymphal stages feed for shorter periods, typically 2–4 days.
The feeding cycle proceeds through three phases:
- Attachment and cementing – the tick inserts its mouthparts and secretes a cement-like substance that secures it to the skin.
- Slow feeding – blood intake occurs at a low rate for the first 24–48 hours, during which the tick expands.
- Rapid feeding – after the initial period, the tick accelerates blood ingestion, reaching peak volume before it drops off.
If a tick is removed before the rapid feeding stage, the risk of pathogen transmission is markedly reduced. Most tick‑borne bacteria, such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), require at least 24 hours of attachment to be transmitted; some viruses may need longer.
Prompt removal with fine‑point tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure, minimizes tissue damage and reduces the chance of the tick remaining embedded. After extraction, cleanse the site with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection or rash over the following weeks.
In summary, a tick on the head can survive from two to a week, with adult specimens typically detaching after five days. Early detection and removal are essential to prevent disease transmission.