Behavior & Habits

Ticks are arachnids (related to spiders and mites), not insects, and are external parasites known as vectors because they transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks are "questing" parasites; they do not fly or jump. Instead, they climb onto vegetation and wait for a passing host (animal or human) to brush against them. Once on a host, they crawl to a protected area, insert their mouthparts, and slowly feed on blood for hours or days. They must feed on blood at every stage (larva, nymph, adult) to progress to the next life stage.

Habitat & Signs

Ticks live in outdoor environments and thrive in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas, especially those with high humidity. They are commonly found along trails, in leaf litter, and in transitional zones between lawns and forests. Near homes, they often inhabit tall grass, overgrown shrubs, and areas around woodpiles or stone walls. They are prevalent in areas with high populations of host animals, such as deer, mice, and rodents. Ticks rarely infest the interior of a home unless brought in by a pet or person and dropped off the host.

Prevention & Control

Landscape Management: Keep lawns mowed short. Remove leaf litter, clear tall grass, and trim shrubs around the yard and perimeter of your property. Create barriers (like wood chips or gravel) between wooded areas and recreational spaces.
Personal Protection: When walking in high-risk areas, wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily. Use EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin, and tuck pants into socks.
Check Thoroughly: Conduct full-body tick checks on yourself, children, and pets immediately after spending time outdoors. Pay close attention to hair, ears, underarms, and the groin area.
Pet Treatment: Consult a veterinarian for recommended tick control products and preventative measures for pets, especially those that spend time outdoors.

Ticks

Behavior & Habits

Habitat & Signs

Prevention & Control

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