Tapeworms can live outside for months, waiting for a host to come along. You're most at risk if you work around livestock or travel to a country where hygiene is poor. You can also be infected if you eat or drink something that contains tapeworm eggs or larvae, like raw or undercooked beef or pork.
How long do parasitic worms live outside the body?
Pinworm eggs live up to 2 weeks outside the body on clothing, bedding, toys, toilet seats, or other objects and spread easily. Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides):
Can parasites survive outside the host?
Parasites that live outside the host are called ectoparasites (Figure 2A). For example, a flea is a parasite that lives on cats. In contrast, parasites that live inside their hosts are known as endoparasites (Figure 2B).
Can parasitic worms live on surfaces?
Yes. If you come into contact with infected poop of people or animals, you can get roundworms. You can also get them by touching infected surfaces, like soil.
How long do worms live on surfaces?
The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people. Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.
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