Ticks are tiny, tenacious, and totally adaptable to a variety of external conditions. This includes water. Many myths persist about ticks, and more than a few involve H2O.
Here are some of the most commonly held beliefs about ticks in (and around) water:
- Ticks are outstanding swimmers.
- If sprayed hard enough, ticks will detach from your pet.
- Even though ticks can swim, they can drown if submerged in water for a few minutes.
- Ticks will fall off your pet during a bath.
So which ones are true, and, what should you do if you discover a tick feeding on your pet during a bath? Let’s answer that second question first, then we’ll move on to a few facts (and myths) about ticks and water.
If you happen to find a tick on your pet after giving your furry friend a bath, forget the tweezers. Forced removal of a tick requires pulling on Fido’s skin, and usually leaves the mouthparts embedded! Instead, reach for a TickZapper®. It’s the ultimate tick removal tool – lightweight, portable, easy to use, and effective at removing ticks immediately from your pet (including mouthparts!). You will be able to quickly capture and securely contain the tick in the patented encapsulation chamber – without risk of human contact.
Ticks and H2O: What You Need to Know
We’ve gone over a few myths before about ticks. They might be tiny parasites, but they’re also responsible for a large assortment of myths about their ability to survive in water, feeding habits, and much more.
Can ticks swim?
Despite rumors to the contrary, we can confirm that ticks cannot swim. Maybe it’s something about their herky-jerky movements that suggest they might be adept swimmers. Or perhaps it’s their ultra-light body weight, possibly leading some folks to believe that ticks can simply “skim” across the water’s surface. But the verdict is in – ticks definitely can’t swim!
How long can ticks survive under water?
Ticks have been known to survive submerged in water for up to three days and act normally afterward. Talk about one possessed parasite! The fact that they can survive so long underwater is interesting information for your pet’s bathing time.
If you find a tick attached to your pet during a bath, don’t assume they’ll simply fall off with extra water pressure. Use your TickZapper® immediately after bathing Fido, to quickly remove the unwanted intruder – without risk of human contact. One thing is for certain: ticks will not fall off into the water when you’re bathing your pet. They’ll need a little help to detach, and that help is the mighty TickZapper®!
What if a tick attaches to your clothing, and ends up in the washing machine? It depends on the water temperature – and even then, many tick species can survive a standard run through the wash. According to a 2016 study, 94% of ticks survived a “warm” cycle wash, and all ticks survived cold cycle washes.
Since ticks require a moist environment to survive (and thrive), researchers in the same study wanted to see how ticks fared in a dry, hot setting. Into the dryer they went…and none survived! At just 4 minutes on a high heat dryer setting, all adult and nymph ticks died. This study was verified through an independent test by the Appalachian Mountain Club. In this test trial, the dryer ran for 10 minutes.
In another case, a Boston-area teenager conducted a tick experiment back in 2013, with similar results – and none other than the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took note! Now, if we could just coax ticks to voluntarily climb into a dryer, the world might be a better place, yes?
Get a TickZapper® – The Proven Way to Remove the ENTIRE tick (including mouthparts!)
Yet ticks aren’t going away anytime soon, even in water. In fact, ticks and tick-borne diseases are on the rise! That’s why you should keep a TickZapper® on hand at all times. Self-energizing (battery free) means you will always be ready to remove a tick – safely and quickly – on the spot! Time is of the essence. Quick tick removal from your pet will help prevent the transmission of tick-borne diseases. TickZapper® is simply the best way to remove a tick from your dog, cat, or other pet.
Learn more about the TickZapper® Here. You can buy your very own TickZapper® Here. Thanks for visiting our blog – and make sure to check back for more helpful tips to keep ticks off your pet!
