How fast do ticks move?

Perhaps you know that ticks do not jump or fly.  Ticks quest.  They lie in wait for their host, legs outstretched, ready to latch.

But how fast do ticks move?  Do they move at a slow pace due to their “lazy” questing nature?  Do they run in search of cover or a host, or when they are on your body?  The truth is, ticks are faster than you might think!

How fast do ticks move?
How fast do ticks move?

Can ticks move as fast as ants?

Perhaps they do move as quickly as some insects, like ants, but they certainly do not move as fast as the fastest ant.  Back in 2019, the Saharan silver, was clocked at the equivalent of 360mph!  Ticks are no slowpokes, though.  When you see a tick out in the open or moving around your body, you will note that it does not move at a snail’s pace.  Ticks will scurry in search of a fine place, where they can become attached to have their blood meal.

See this brown dog tick on the move!

Where do ticks like to move on your body?

Ticks inherently see the protection of warmth and darkness.  In nature, they will lie on the forest floor, out of direct sunlight.  When they are on a person, they will move to places like the armpit, groin, or scalp.  They will often move to our pets’ ears.  For this reason, a thorough tick check will include hidden areas on ourselves and our pets.

ticks move inside dogs' ears
Ticks move inside dogs’ ears.

Reduce your odds of encountering a tick with Sudbury tick control.

Sudbury tick controlIf you are looking for effective Sudbury tick control, consider your professional options, like Mosquito Squad.  They offer an EPA-registered tick control spray, as well as an all-natural formula.  Once tick barrier protection is applied to your property, your family can enjoy time outdoors with a lot less stress.  Their traditional tick control spray works for about 21 days, and the all-natural spray works for about 14 days.  The best part is, the same solution works to control mosquitoes around your home too!

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast