How strong a grip does a black-legged tick have on clothing or skin before becoming imbedded into skin? Also, how quickly can ticks transfer from grass or leaves to hosts?
Ticks have hook-like claws at the tips of each of its 8 legs to help it hold on to a host fur (or clothing/skin) prior to inserting its hypostome (mouth piece) into the skin. However, it is quite easy to remove ticks from skin or clothing prior to attachment – they often get brushed off of clothing while walking through vegetation. Black-legged ticks typically wait on low vegetation or edges of leaves on the forest floor for a host to come by. Vibration, carbon dioxide and heat all can stimulate the tick to assume a ‘ready’ position. It grabs on very quickly with its fore legs and will begin climbing upwards to find an attachment site.
