In which regions are there many ticks? - briefly
«Ticks are most prevalent in temperate and subtropical zones, including the eastern United States, the Midwest, much of Europe, parts of East Asia, and selected regions of Africa and South America.»
«They concentrate in humid, vegetated habitats such as forests, grasslands, and shrublands where suitable hosts are abundant.»
In which regions are there many ticks? - in detail
Ticks thrive in environments that provide moderate humidity, ample hosts, and vegetation for questing. High‑density populations are documented across several global zones.
In temperate zones of North America, especially the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region, dense woodlands, leaf litter, and abundant deer support species such as the black‑legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Similar conditions occur in the upper Midwest, where the western black‑legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is prevalent.
In Europe, the western and central parts of the continent host large numbers of the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). Notable areas include the United Kingdom, the Baltic states, Germany, and the alpine foothills of Austria and Switzerland, where humid pastures and forest edges provide ideal habitats.
In the Eurasian steppe and forest‑steppe transition zones of Russia, the taiga region, and parts of Siberia, the taiga tick (Dermacentor silvarum) reaches high concentrations, particularly in mixed coniferous‑broadleaf forests with seasonal moisture.
In East Asia, the Korean Peninsula, northern Japan, and the northeastern provinces of China report substantial populations of the Asian long‑horned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). These regions combine monsoonal rainfall, dense underbrush, and livestock farming.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the temperate coastal regions of New Zealand and the southeastern Australian states (Victoria and Tasmania) sustain significant numbers of the sheep tick (Ixodes holocyclus) and the Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), respectively, where mild temperatures and high humidity prevail.
Key environmental factors that promote tick abundance include:
- Consistent relative humidity above 80 %
- Moderate temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 25 °C
- Presence of large mammalian hosts (deer, livestock, rodents)
- Dense understory or leaf litter providing shelter
Understanding these geographic patterns aids public‑health authorities in targeting surveillance and prevention measures.