What will happen to a tick if it is not removed? - briefly
The parasite will keep feeding, raising the chance of pathogen transmission and causing local skin irritation. It may later detach or die, but the host remains exposed to damage and infection while the tick stays attached.
What will happen to a tick if it is not removed? - in detail
If a tick stays attached, it will continue its blood‑feeding cycle. During the first 24–48 hours the parasite inserts its mouthparts and secretes saliva that contains anticoagulants and immunomodulators. This phase allows rapid blood intake and prepares the host’s tissue for prolonged feeding.
After the initial period, the tick enters the engorgement stage. Over the next several days it expands dramatically, increasing its body mass by up to 100‑fold. The insect’s digestive system processes the ingested blood, producing waste that is excreted through the anus or regurgitated onto the skin. The tick remains firmly anchored by a barbed hypostome, preventing easy detachment.
While feeding, the arthropod can transmit pathogens. Common bacteria, viruses, and protozoa—such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), and Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever)—are introduced into the host’s bloodstream. Transmission risk rises sharply after 24 hours of attachment; some agents require longer exposure to become infectious.
If the parasite is not removed, the following outcomes are typical:
- Complete engorgement – the tick reaches maximal size, then detaches spontaneously after feeding is finished, usually within 7–10 days.
- Pathogen delivery – prolonged contact increases the probability of disease transmission and may result in more severe clinical manifestations.
- Local tissue reaction – prolonged saliva exposure can cause erythema, itching, or allergic dermatitis at the bite site.
- Secondary infection – scratching or improper handling of the feeding site can introduce bacterial contaminants, leading to cellulitis or abscess formation.
- Tick mortality – after detachment, the engorged tick seeks a sheltered environment to molt or lay eggs; failure to find suitable conditions results in death.
In summary, an unattached tick will continue to feed, enlarge, and eventually drop off, but during that interval it poses escalating risks of infection, local inflammation, and secondary complications. Prompt removal eliminates these hazards and prevents the tick from completing its life cycle.