How long does a tick survive on clothing without a human? - briefly
An unfed tick can stay alive on clothing for two to four weeks in cool, humid conditions, but it usually perishes within a few days when exposed to heat or dryness. Survival time differs among species, with hard ticks generally persisting longer than soft ticks.
How long does a tick survive on clothing without a human? - in detail
Ticks can remain viable on fabric for several days to weeks, depending on species, life stage, temperature, and humidity. Adult and nymph stages of Ixodes ricinus, the common European tick, survive up to 14 days at 20 °C with relative humidity above 80 %. Under cooler (10 °C) and moist conditions, survival may extend to 30 days. Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) persists for 5–10 days at 25 °C with 70 % humidity, but mortality rises sharply when humidity falls below 50 %. Larvae are the most vulnerable; they typically die within 2–4 days under moderate conditions.
Key factors influencing longevity on clothing:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate metabolism, shortening survival; lower temperatures slow desiccation, lengthening it.
- Humidity: Moist environments prevent dehydration; dry air causes rapid water loss and death.
- Life stage: Adults tolerate harsher conditions longer than nymphs and larvae.
- Fabric type: Natural fibers (cotton, wool) retain moisture longer than synthetics, offering a more hospitable micro‑habitat.
Ticks do not feed without a host, so they remain in a questing state, seeking a warm-blooded organism. If clothing is left unattended in a humid, cool environment, ticks may stay alive long enough to attach when the garment is later worn. Prompt removal of ticks from garments, washing at ≥ 60 °C, or drying in a tumble dryer for at least 10 minutes effectively kills them.