Ticks are common outdoor pests that can attach to clothing. These small arachnids do not immediately bite upon contact but can remain on clothes for a period, seeking a suitable host. Understanding how ticks interact with clothing is important for preventing bites and the potential transmission of tick-borne diseases.
Tick Behavior on Clothing
Ticks primarily get onto clothing through a behavior known as questing. This involves ticks climbing to the tips of grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation, where they extend their front legs, waiting for an animal or human to brush past. Once a host makes contact, ticks quickly transfer onto clothing. Ticks cannot jump or fly, so direct contact with vegetation is necessary for them to attach.
After landing on clothing, ticks typically do not immediately attach to the skin. They often wander on the fabric for several hours, usually between two and six hours, searching for a preferred biting location on the body. This wandering period provides an opportunity to find and remove them before they embed. While clothing is not a habitat, it serves as a temporary transfer point where ticks can survive for a few days, especially in humid conditions like a laundry hamper.
Removing Ticks from Clothing
When ticks are found on clothing, several methods can help remove them effectively. Shaking clothes vigorously outdoors before bringing them inside can dislodge many ticks. For those that remain, a sticky lint roller can be used to pick up ticks from the fabric surface. This method is particularly useful for smaller ticks that might be harder to spot.
Laundry processes, especially drying, are highly effective in killing ticks. Ticks are susceptible to desiccation, meaning they die when exposed to dry heat. Placing clothing directly into a dryer on high heat for at least 6 to 10 minutes can effectively kill ticks, even before washing. If clothes are soiled and require washing first, using hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) can kill ticks, though cold or warm water washes are generally not effective.
Preventing Ticks on Clothing
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of ticks getting on clothing. Wearing appropriate attire when outdoors can create a physical barrier. This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and tucking pant legs into socks or boots. Light-colored clothing can also make it easier to spot ticks crawling on the fabric.
Treating clothing with permethrin is another effective preventive strategy. Permethrin is an insecticide that repels and kills ticks on contact and can be applied to clothing or purchased in pre-treated garments. This treatment remains effective through several washes, offering long-lasting protection. Additionally, applying EPA-registered insect repellents to clothing can deter ticks. After spending time outdoors, conducting thorough tick checks on all clothing and gear before entering indoor spaces is a final important step to prevent ticks from coming inside.