How to keep ticks at home? - briefly
Store the specimens in an airtight, ventilated container lined with a damp cotton pad to sustain approximately 80 % humidity. Keep the container refrigerated at 4–8 °C and label it with date and species.
How to keep ticks at home? - in detail
Keeping ticks in a domestic environment requires controlled conditions that support their physiological needs while preventing accidental spread. The following elements are essential:
-
Temperature regulation: Maintain a constant range of 20‑25 °C (68‑77 °F). Use a thermostatically controlled incubator or a dedicated room with heating elements and a reliable thermostat. Sudden fluctuations can halt development or cause mortality.
-
Humidity management: Provide relative humidity of 80‑90 %. Place a saturated water source, such as a damp sponge or a humidity chamber, and monitor levels with a hygrometer. Dry air leads to desiccation; excess moisture encourages mold, which can harm the ticks.
-
Host provision: Supply a suitable blood source at regular intervals. Options include:
- Live laboratory animals (e.g., rabbits, rodents) kept in separate cages with protective barriers.
- Artificial feeding systems using warmed blood through a membrane.
- Commercially prepared tick feeding kits.
-
Light cycle: Implement a 12‑hour light/12‑hour dark schedule. Use low‑intensity lighting to avoid stress, as ticks are primarily nocturnal and rely on darkness for feeding behavior.
-
Containment: Use sealed containers with fine mesh lids to prevent escape. Inspect seals weekly for wear. Place containers inside a secondary enclosure (e.g., a plastic cabinet) to add a safety barrier.
-
Cleaning protocol: Remove exuviae, feces, and dead specimens weekly. Disinfect surfaces with a 70 % ethanol solution, then rinse with distilled water to avoid chemical residue affecting the ticks.
-
Record‑keeping: Log temperature, humidity, feeding dates, and mortality rates. Consistent data enable adjustments that improve survival and reproductive success.
By adhering to these parameters, a stable indoor colony can be sustained for research or educational purposes while minimizing risk to humans and pets.