Soft Tick
Scientific Name: Family Argasidae (likely Ornithodoros species)
Order & Family: Order Ixodida, Family Argasidae
Size: 3mm to 10mm (approximately 1/8 to 3/8 inch) depending on life stage and engorgement.
Natural Habitat
Found in nests of birds or mammals, crevices in animal burrows, caves, and occasionally in rustic cabins or homes with rodent infestations.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (blood-feeding); they feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles or humans.
Behavior Patterns
Unlike hard ticks, soft ticks are intermittent feeders. They typically feed at night for short durations (15-30 minutes) and then leave the host. They can survive for several years without a blood meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include the transmission of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) caused by Borrelia bacteria. Their bites can cause localized irritation or allergic reactions. They provide no significant benefits to humans and are considered pests.
Identified on: 2/20/2026