I may be in your neck of the woods!

Where do Deer ticks hide?

The deer tick began its life in New England, Wisconsin, and southern Ontario where its habitat was limited.  However, with much expansion and increase of exploration, the deer tick expanded its range and can now be found concentrated throughout southern and coastal New England, Mid-Atlantic States, Minnesota and scattered elsewhere.

Distribution of Lyme Disease infected deer ticks in the United States

Like all parasites, ticks are dependent on their host for survival, therefore it lives most of its life attached to the skin of one of its host.  The deer tick is a three host parasite and their targeted host depends on their life cycle stage.  For example, when in the larval and nymph stage they are mainly found on smaller animals such as white-footed mice, squirrels, birds, etc.  Once they molt into their adult form they will be found on larger animals including, humans, white-tailed deer and more. 

                             

The White-footed mouse                       The White-tailed deer                      

If they are not found on a host, many times they will be found in various types of vegetation.  Deer ticks can occupy many different forms of vegetation such as, brush, grass, shrubs, and especially wooded areas. Exposure to ticks may be the greatest in the woods along trails and the fringe area between the woods and the border.

     

 Common vegetation that ticks accompany for their habitat.

 

 

To learn how I adapted to my home and parasitic feeding rituals click here

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