Soft Tick

Found in nests of hosts, caves, cracks in walls, and structures used by livestock or birds.

Blood-feeding ectoparasite; feeds on birds, bats, mammals, and occasionally humans.

Unlike hard ticks, they are rapid feeders (finishing in minutes to hours), lack a hard dorsal shield (scutum), and often reside in the environment rather than remaining attached to a host for long periods.

Risks include the transmission of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) and other pathogens. Bites can cause severe irritation or allergic reactions. They provide no significant benefits to the ecosystem.