Where are ticks currently located? - briefly
Ticks inhabit temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in North America, Europe, and eastern Asia, favoring grasslands, forests, and shrublands. They also occur in suitable habitats of the Southern Hemisphere, such as southern Africa and parts of South America.
Where are ticks currently located? - in detail
Ticks inhabit a broad range of regions across the globe, with concentrations determined by climate, vegetation, and host availability. In temperate zones of North America and Europe, species such as Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes ricinus dominate forested and shrub‑covered areas, especially where leaf litter provides humidity. In the eastern United States, these vectors are most common in the Northeast, the Upper Midwest, and parts of the Mid‑Atlantic, thriving in deciduous woodlands and suburban parks. In Europe, they are widespread from the United Kingdom through Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, favoring mixed woodlands, grasslands, and hedgerows.
In subtropical and tropical regions, hard ticks of the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, and Haemaphysalis are prevalent. Amblyomma americanum occupies the southeastern United States, extending into the Gulf Coast and parts of the Midwest, where it frequents grassy fields, pasturelands, and pine forests. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, adapts to indoor environments and urban yards worldwide, persisting in heated structures despite cooler outdoor temperatures.
Altitude influences distribution as well. In mountainous areas, tick presence declines above 2,500 m, where lower temperatures and reduced humidity limit survival. However, climate warming has enabled species like Ixodes ricinus to expand into higher elevations and previously unsuitable northern latitudes.
Seasonal activity reflects environmental conditions. Questing behavior peaks in spring and early summer when temperatures range from 7 °C to 25 °C and relative humidity exceeds 80 %. A secondary surge occurs in autumn, particularly for species adapted to cooler climates. In regions with mild winters, continuous activity may be observed, sustaining year‑round host contact.
Host preferences shape local tick populations. Small mammals (e.g., rodents) support larval and nymph stages, while larger mammals (deer, livestock, dogs) sustain adult ticks. Urban green spaces with abundant wildlife, such as parks and peri‑urban farms, often serve as focal points for tick aggregation.
Overall, current tick locations correspond to environments that provide sufficient moisture, moderate temperatures, and abundant hosts, spanning forested and grassland ecosystems in temperate zones, as well as savannas, scrublands, and human‑dwelling structures in warmer regions.