Tick bite

Natural Habitat

Wooded areas, tall grasses, brush, leaf litter, and urban green spaces. They often wait on vegetation to attach to a host. They can also be found in animal burrows or nests depending on the specific tick species.

Diet & Feeding

All ticks are obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians).

Behavior Patterns

Ticks undergo four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each active stage requires a blood meal to progress. They do not fly or jump; instead, they 'quest' by climbing onto vegetation and waiting for a host to pass by, then latching on. They can remain attached for several hours to days while feeding.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Ticks are significant vectors for a variety of diseases (e.g., Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, alpha-gal syndrome) that can be transmitted to humans and animals. Tick bites can also cause localized skin irritation, allergic reactions, or secondary infections. Benefits: Ticks generally offer no direct benefits to humans and are primarily known for their role as disease vectors. In ecosystems, they serve as a food source for some animals (e.g., certain birds, reptiles, and spiders) and can play a minor role in regulating host populations, though their parasitic nature outweighs any perceived benefits for human interaction.

Identified on: 9/4/2025