Ticks Can Get on Pets Using Static Electricity

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  July 27th, 2023

Keeping ticks off yourself and your pets is extremely important, as they can carry diseases like Lyme. But did you know that they can use static electricity to more easily make their way onto a host?

Erik Karits/Shutterstock

You probably already know that ticks wait on grass, plants, and branches for hosts to walk by. If you get close enough, they can climb onto you and then look for a spot to burrow into your skin and feast on your blood. In the process, they could transmit parasites, viruses, and bacteria. 


The good news is that ticks aren’t capable of flying or even jumping. So, you have to get close enough that they can climb on. Taking steps, such as using safe and effective repellents and being cautious about where you venture with your pet in the great outdoors, may help you avoid these parasites. But researchers have discovered that, in addition to latching onto pets and people who walk by them, ticks can get on you more easily by  using static to extend their reach. 


A  study found that static from people and animals is enough to help ticks get on their next host without needing direct contact. In other words, even if you don’t physically touch a blade of grass with a tick on it, you might come close enough that the tick can use static to get on you. 


Just how far could ticks go with the help of static? Experts say it’s only a few centimeters or millimeters, but it can be enough to assist a tick in finding its next meal with greater ease. 


Keep this new information in mind as you head out to enjoy the outdoors with your family and your furry companions. Learn how to avoid ticks and  how to remove them correctly if they end up on your pet, and talk to your veterinarian about the best and safest  flea and tick medications for your dog or cat. 

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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