Ticks are the most common pests in spring and summer. They are harmful to both animals and humans as they are capable of spreading serious illness. Ticks are parasites and get their food and nutrition through feeding off host organisms. Still, there are many misconceptions about the lifespan of a tick.
Some sources claim that they can live for 24 hours without a blood meal, while others claim they can live for up to two years. Both can be true. Their lifespan depends on several factors, including the environment, species, and the stage of their life cycle. If you are dealing with a tick problem, you should call a reputable Denver pest control company today.
How long do ticks live?
Ticks can live for several months or years without a food source, depending on their species. Below are the lifespans of some common tick species:
- Black-legged tick: Also called the deer tick, a black-legged tick can survive for several months without a blood meal. They thrive in damp and moist environments; therefore, their survival duration depends upon the environment as well.
- American dog ticks: These ticks can survive for about two years without a food source. Also, their unfed larvae can live for over a year.
- Brown dog tick: Brown dog ticks can live unfed for about 18 months. Their nymphs can survive for over two months without attaching to a host.
- Lone star tick: They have been known to survive for only several months without a blood meal.
Ticks can survive for a long period without food. However, they will need blood to continue their life cycle. The life cycle of a tick consists of four stages, including egg, larvae, nymph, and adult.
The female lays the egg, which hatches into tick larvae. Many people bring in these insects from the outdoors through their pets. Therefore, they can hatch eggs inside as well. Common areas where tick infestation may occur include near furniture, baseboards, and rugs.
How to recognize ticks?
Since you now know how long ticks can survive, it is important to identify their key characteristics to come up with a tick removal plan. Some key features are as follows:
- Ticks have a flat shape, usually oval or teardrop.
- Ticks possess eight eggs as any other arachnid.
- Ticks do not have wings.
- After consuming blood, they tend to look bulbous than flat.
If you have pets, especially a cat or a dog, that love to spend time outdoors, ensure to check them diligently. You can also talk to veterinarians about preventive treatments for ticks.
The dangerous part is that these ticks can travel from your pet’s body to yours and your family’s.
Will ticks fall on their own?
Yes. Ticks usually fall out of your body on their own within a few days (up to 6) once they suck blood. When it sucks blood, its saliva may get mixed in, resulting in redness and swelling. You should still speak to a doctor who can check and provide the right treatment.
In addition to this, you should also speak to a pest control service that can ensure you get rid of ticks.