Ticks

Ticks live in grass and wooded areas and feed on blood—from your pets or even yourself. Though small, their bites can transmit serious diseases. That’s why its crucial to check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Physical Appearance and Behavior of Ticks

Ticks are parasitic arachnids and among the most dangerous blood-feeding pests in the U.S. Adult ticks range in size from 1/8 inch (like a sesame seed) to 1/4 inch (like an apple seed), depending on species and life stage. Their bodies are oval and flattened, equipped with eight legs and a specialized head for piercing skin and feeding on blood.

Commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, and shrubs, ticks perch on vegetation waiting for a host—human, pet, or wildlife—to pass by. They feed solely on blood and require it to grow through their life stages: larva, nymph, and adult. Ticks can survive for months without feeding by staying in humid, shaded environments.

Health Risks

Ticks pose a significant public health risk in the U.S. States with suitable climates for ticks report high cases of diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. Ticks can transmit harmful pathogens within just 24–48 hours of attaching to a host.

Types of Ticks

Despite their small size, ticks come in various species, each with unique traits, dangers, and survival tactics. Identifying the specific type of tick can help guide appropriate prevention and treatment efforts.