Ticks often spark curiosity regarding their resilience, especially their ability to withstand water. Many wonder if these small arachnids can survive submersion. The answer showcases their remarkable adaptability, as these creatures possess unique biological traits that allow them to endure conditions fatal to most other terrestrial organisms.
Tick Survival in Aquatic Environments
Ticks can survive submersion for considerable durations, ranging from several hours to even weeks, depending on the specific species and environmental factors. The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) can survive up to 70 days in freshwater, 64 days in brackish water, and 46 days in saltwater. Other species, such as the Gulf Coast tick (Amblymma maculatum), can endure for about 24 days in freshwater, while the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) has been observed to survive for up to 15 days underwater. Ticks do not “breathe” underwater in the conventional sense; instead, they employ specialized mechanisms that allow them to sustain themselves in submerged conditions. This ability often involves a significant reduction in their metabolic activity, enabling them to conserve energy and oxygen during prolonged submersion.
How Ticks Endure Submersion
Ticks survive underwater due to several distinct biological adaptations, primarily related to their respiratory system and physiology. They respire through tiny external openings called spiracles, located on their bodies. When submerged, ticks can seal these spiracles, effectively “holding their breath” and preventing water from entering their respiratory system.
Beyond simply closing their spiracles, some tick species utilize a sophisticated system known as plastron respiration. This involves a thin layer of air trapped by hydrophobic (water-repelling) hairs and cuticular projections on their body surface, which acts like a physical gill to absorb oxygen directly from the surrounding water. This allows for continued, albeit minimal, oxygen uptake. Ticks also possess an exceptionally low metabolic rate. This reduced metabolism enables them to conserve energy and survive on very little oxygen for extended periods, akin to entering a dormant state. Their hard, waxy exoskeleton also contributes by repelling water, further aiding their water resistance.
Real-World Scenarios and Risk Mitigation
The remarkable water resilience of ticks has practical implications for human health and pest management. During flood events, ticks can survive for prolonged periods by floating or clinging to debris and vegetation. For instance, Ixodes ricinus ticks have been observed to survive 25 days of submersion during flooding and quickly resume host-seeking behavior once the water recedes.
Washing clothing that may harbor ticks requires specific attention. Ticks are known to survive standard washing machine cycles, particularly in cold or warm water. Studies show that all ticks survived cold washes, and 94% survived warm washes at temperatures between 27-46°C (80-115°F). To effectively eliminate ticks on clothing, water temperatures of at least 54°C (130°F) are necessary during the wash cycle.
The most effective method for killing ticks on clothing is often the dryer. Placing garments directly into a dryer on high heat for 6 to 10 minutes can effectively kill ticks. If clothes are washed first, especially in cooler water, a longer drying time of around 50 minutes on high heat may be required. The dry heat of the dryer desiccates and kills the ticks.
Attempting to drown a tick found on the skin is ineffective and not recommended. Submerging a tick attached to skin in water can potentially cause the tick to regurgitate its gut contents, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The correct procedure for tick removal involves using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure.
Tick Removal Don’ts:
Do not twist or jerk the tick.
Do not use petroleum jelly.
Do not use heat.
Do not use nail polish.
These methods are not effective and can be harmful.