Can Ticks Fly?

08/07/24 by pest expert Matthew S. Hess

One of several questions Pest Controllers may be asked is “Can ticks fly?”. There’s a good reason why this and “Can ticks jump?” are common questions. Although most of us know that ticks don’t have wings, they often end up high on the body, as if they flew or jumped there.  If ticks can’t jump or fly, why do so many end up on human heads?

Ticks Are Opportunistic Creatures

As it turns out, ticks are very opportunistic and skilled in their “craft”, that is, in finding a host, attaching, and getting a meal. While humans and animals are minding their business, we may wander into tick territory, and believe me, ticks are minding our business too! In fact, they are often lying in wait at the tips of a blade of grass, a tree limb, or other plant, with their inward-curved forelegs stretched outward as if to attack. This behavior and position are called “perching” or “questing.” A tick may quest for months as it awaits a passing host and the perfect opportunity to attach.

A questing tick may look like it’s about to jump or take flight, but it’s actually waiting for you, me, or another human or animal to gently brush by so it can grab hold. Once on a host, it can take the tick five to six hours before firmly attaching. This means the tick has plenty of time to wherever it first grabs hold to make the journey to the upper body or even the head, and finally attach to begin feeding.

A questing tick may stay in position for months.

“Questing” ticks may position themselves on a variety of plants and trees at varying heights.

A questing tick will extend its front legs and use them to attach to a passing host

Seen from below, this questing tick is prepared for an unknowing host to pass by.

Questing is a behavior ticks use to grab hold of their host.

Perched ticks will begin their feeding around 5 to 6 hours after attaching to a host.

Perching on a blade of grass may give a tick the advantage it needs to grab hold of a passing host.

Perched ticks may also be drawn to their host by static electricity, a new study reveals.

Questing or perching ticks are in need of a blood meal.

“Questing” or “perching” ticks can lie in wait for months. Once a host passes by, their outstretched legs grab hold and the cycle for a blood meal begins.

You May Be Causing Ticks to Fly…. Well, Sort Of

Although ticks don’t jump or fly, a 2023 study published in Current Biology discovered a phenomenon that describes ticks being attracted across air gaps by static electricity. Since humans and animals generate static electricity as we move across the ground and through the airspace, that current may be harnessed by the tick as we pass by. It has been suggested that ticks can sense the electric fields and use them to attach to the host without making direct contact. This action and behavior could help explain how ticks seem to make it onto our bodies even when we have been careful not to come in contact with any vegetation. This newly discovered behavior may just account for why some people think ticks jump or fly!

Watch Out For Ticks!

So, today we have learned that although ticks neither jump or fly, they may be able to accomplish the same goal with simple electric static. What that means for you and I is that we must be ever more careful to avoid areas of known tick infestation, and much more diligent to inspect ourselves (or family members) for ticks! Are ticks dangerous? They absolutely have the potential to be.

If you find that your lawn is infested, it may warrant a call to the professionals here at Four Seasons Pest Solutions. Our team of certified, trained, and experienced technicians are ready to rid your lawn of ticks and any other pests you may be dealing with. Protect yourself and those you love today by calling our offices to schedule your lawn tick treatment!