Study finds some ticks can survive indoors for up to 3 weeks

A new Ohio State University study suggests some ticks can persist indoors far longer than many pet parents, and likely some clinicians, assume. In the study, published online March 13, 2026, in the Journal of Vector Ecology, researchers found that Gulf Coast ticks and lone star ticks survived on common household flooring for at least one week and up to about three weeks. Gulf Coast ticks lived longer overall, while lone star ticks showed better survival in long-pile carpet. The work adds experimental evidence to a long-standing concern that ticks brought inside on dogs or people may remain a bite risk after outdoor exposure. (bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the study sharpens the case for counseling that tick prevention doesn’t end at the door. Ohio State researchers said the findings support routine tick checks after outdoor activity, prompt removal of ticks from pets, and practical home steps like brushing animals, using a lint roller, and bagging clothes or putting them in the dryer. That message aligns with Companion Animal Parasite Council guidance that dogs should receive year-round tick control to reduce infestations on the pet and limit ticks entering the home environment. (newswise.com)

What to watch: Expect this study to feed into stronger client education around indoor tick risk, especially in regions where lone star and Gulf Coast ticks are expanding or increasingly recognized. (cdc.gov)