Updated on December 5th, 2024
We all venture into the woods from time to time. Some of us may go on a leisurely stroll, while others may set up camp and stay out under the stars for a few nights. Either way, there’s the probability of getting bitten by a tick.
Ticks are cunning parasites that rely on their keen senses to find their next meal. Using their ability to detect breath, body odor, body heat and vibrations, ticks locate potential hosts with precision. These patient arachnids can't fly or jump, but they excel at waiting—clinging to leaves or grass with their hind legs and outstretching their front legs to latch onto an unsuspecting passerby.
There’s no need to be afraid, but understanding how they operate and how to protect yourself is crucial.
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Note: Not all ticks carry Lyme disease. Only the black-legged deer tick and the western black-legged tick are known vectors of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. Depending on your location, anywhere from less than 1% to over 50% of the ticks you encounter may be infected.
What are ticks?
Ticks are not insects—they're arachnids, closely related to spiders and mites. These parasites survive by feeding on the blood of humans, wildlife and domesticated animals, such as dogs, cats, pigs, cattle and horses.
To secure a meal, ticks use their sharp sensory abilities to detect nearby hosts, climbing on with remarkable stealth. Once attached, they feed and, in doing so, can transmit diseases—such as Lyme disease—from one host to the next.
Note: The states with the highest reported cases of tick bites and Lyme disease include Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Maryland, Connecticut and Virginia. If you live or travel into the woods in these areas, extra precautions may be essential.
How long do ticks live?
Ticks are survivors with an impressive range of lifespans, varying from months to several years depending on their species and environmental conditions. Their lifecycle has three active stages—larva, nymph and adult—with survival dependent on finding a host at each stage. Here’s a closer look at how long different tick species typically live:
- Black-legged ticks (deer ticks): These notorious Lyme disease carriers have a lifespan of about two to three years. During this time, they go through their life stages while feeding on hosts like deer, small mammals and birds.
- Lone star ticks: Known for their aggressive feeding habits, lone star ticks live for about one year, with each stage requiring a new host to survive and reproduce.
- Brown dog ticks: These ticks can live up to two years, often completing their entire lifecycle indoors when infesting homes or kennels.
A tick’s environment plays a significant role in its lifespan. Humid, warm conditions help them thrive, while dry climates can reduce their longevity. This adaptability ensures ticks remain a persistent problem across many regions, from dense forests to suburban backyards.
How long can ticks live without a host?
Ticks are incredibly resilient parasites, capable of surviving for extended periods without feeding. When a host isn’t available, ticks enter a state of dormancy, conserving their energy to wait for the next opportunity. Here’s how long they can live without a blood meal based on their stage:
- Larvae: Hard tick larvae, often called seed ticks, can live for up to eight months without feeding. Their small size makes them efficient at conserving resources.
- Nymphs: Nymphs, though slightly larger and more developed, can survive around six months to a year without a host, depending on environmental conditions.
- Adults: Adult ticks are the most resilient. Species like the brown dog tick can endure up to two years without feeding. This extended survival allows them to wait patiently for the ideal host.
Environmental factors also influence their survival. Ticks are most successful in humid climates, where moisture prevents them from drying out. In drier conditions, their survival time decreases significantly.
This extraordinary endurance is what makes ticks so persistent—and so problematic. Their ability to survive for months or even years without a host means that wherever you go, a tick may be lying in wait, ready to latch on and feed when the opportunity arises.
Do ticks prey on animals like squirrels, swans, goats and snow geese?
Ticks don’t “prey” in the traditional sense, but they are opportunistic parasites that feed on the blood of many animals—like squirrels, swans, goats and snow geese. These creatures often cross paths with ticks due to their habitats and lifestyles. Here’s a closer look.
- Squirrels, often found in wooded areas or urban parks, are common hosts for ticks, particularly black-legged ticks (deer ticks) and American dog ticks. These ticks latch onto squirrels as they scurry through grass, leaves or branches.
- Swans, especially those in wetland areas, can encounter ticks like the waterfowl tick. Ticks on swans often attach near the eyes or other soft tissues, taking advantage of their time on land or in grassy nesting areas.
- Goats are frequent hosts for various tick species, such as the lone star tick or Gulf Coast tick. Since goats often graze in grassy or wooded areas, they are prime targets for ticks searching for their next meal.
- Snow geese, as migratory birds, can carry ticks across long distances. Ixodes ticks, for instance, often latch onto geese during their nesting periods in grassy or marshy environments.
Ticks are not picky when it comes to hosts. Whether it's a squirrel in the forest, a goat in the pasture or a swan by the water, ticks seek out any blood source they can find to survive and reproduce. Their adaptability makes them a widespread nuisance for wildlife and domestic animals alike.
What eats ticks? Do chickens eat ticks?
Nature provides a variety of tick predators that help to keep these parasitic pests in check. While ticks are known for their resilience, they are not invincible. Several animals and birds consider ticks a part of their diet, helping to control their populations naturally.
- Birds: Many species of birds are effective tick predators. Guineafowl and wild turkeys, for example, actively forage for ticks in grassy areas and woodlands. Songbirds like robins and sparrows may also eat ticks they encounter while hunting for other insects.
- Reptiles and amphibians: Some lizards and frogs contribute to tick control by eating ticks as part of their insect-rich diets.
- Mammals: Certain small mammals, such as opossums, are surprisingly efficient tick predators. Studies show that a single opossum can eat hundreds of ticks in a single week, reducing tick populations in their habitat.
But what about chickens? Do chickens eat ticks? The answer is yes. Chickens are excellent tick-eaters and can serve as natural pest controllers in your yard. These curious foragers peck at the ground for insects, including ticks, making them a valuable ally in areas prone to tick infestations.
Incorporating chickens into your backyard provides fresh eggs and helps reduce tick populations, particularly in tick-prone areas.
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Ticks don’t belong on your pets—or anywhere near your home or yard. With plant-powered solutions that prioritize effectiveness and safety, Dr. Killigan’s helps you protect your spaces naturally.
You can safeguard your home, yard and loved ones without harsh chemicals. Armed with knowledge and proven solutions, you’ll enjoy the outdoors with confidence—keeping persistent pests far, far away.
