How Long Do Ticks Stay on Pets For?

Tick Lifecycle

Before we delve into the topic at hand, let's briefly touch on the lifecycle of ticks. Ticks go through four life stages: egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. Each requiring a blood meal from a host (your pets sadly…) to progress to the next stage. As Ticks feed on your pets they typically become attached to them.

Here’s a quick look at each stage in more detail:

• Egg Stage - The tick lifecycle starts with female ticks laying hundreds to thousands of eggs in their environment, often in moist and sheltered areas. These eggs are small, oval-shaped, and barely visible to the naked eye. Depending on the tick species and environmental conditions, eggs can hatch within a few weeks to several months.

• Larvae Stage - Once hatched, ticks enter the larvae stage. Larvae are tiny and have six legs. They are often referred to as "seed ticks" due to their minuscule size. Larvae seek out their first blood meal, typically from small mammals or birds. After feeding, larvae moult into the nymph stage.

• Nymph Stage - Nymphs have eight legs and are larger than larvae but still smaller than adult ticks. Nymphs also require a blood meal to progress to the next stage. At this point, nymphs can attach to a wide range of hosts, including larger mammals like pets and humans. Nymphs that successfully feed then moult into adult ticks.

• Adult Stage - The final stage of the tick lifecycle is the adult stage. Adult ticks are the largest and most recognisable form. They have eight legs and are sexually mature. Male and female adult ticks attach to your poor pets to obtain a blood meal. After feeding, females can lay eggs, completing the lifecycle.

  The length of each stage in the tick lifecycle varies depending on factors such as tick species, environmental conditions, and the availability of hosts. Ticks are resilient creatures, and their lifecycle can span anywhere from several weeks to several years! This is why it is vital to get a reliable and effective plan in place for preventing these pests from bothering you and your pets.

How to Stop Ticks in the First Place

Preventing ticks from latching onto your pets is a proactive approach to tick control. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Tick Preventative Treatments - Vet approved spot-on treatments like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats (kills fleas, ticks AND lice!) contain active ingredients to kill ticks within 48 hours, dramatically reducing the chances of them transmitting a nasty infection to you or your pets!

• Regular Grooming - Regularly grooming your pets can help you to detect and remove ticks before they become a problem. Brush through your pets' fur each day (especially after any outdoor adventures!).

• Tick-Proof Your Garden - Keep your garden well-maintained by trimming grass, shrubs, and vegetation. Creating a less tick-friendly environment reduces the risk of exposure.

• Avoid Tick-Prone Areas - When taking your pets for walks or hikes, avoid areas known to be tick hotspots, such as tall grasses and wooded areas.

• Regular Checks - After outdoor activities, perform thorough tick checks on your pets. Paying special attention to areas where ticks commonly attach like their ears, neck, underarms, groyne, and between their little toes! If you find any, use our handy post on how to remove the buggers!