Where do ticks live: in grass or on bushes? - briefly
Ticks commonly inhabit low vegetation, especially «grass» and leaf litter, where they quest for hosts. They also ascend «bushes» and low shrubs to increase contact with passing mammals and birds.
Where do ticks live: in grass or on bushes? - in detail
Ticks require a stable micro‑climate with relative humidity above 80 % and temperatures between 7 °C and 30 °C. Such conditions are most reliably found close to the ground where leaf litter, moss and low vegetation retain moisture.
Grasslands provide a continuous layer of humid substrate. Blade surfaces and the thin layer of soil underneath maintain the necessary moisture. Questing ticks often climb to the upper edge of the blade, extending their fore‑legs to attach passing hosts. Species such as Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor variabilis are frequently collected from meadow grasses during peak activity periods.
Shrubbery and low bushes create a vertical gradient of humidity and temperature. The denser canopy reduces wind speed, limiting desiccation. Ticks positioned on stems or leaf clusters can access larger mammals that browse higher foliage. Certain nymphs and adult females preferentially occupy the understory of bushes, where host density is greater.
Life‑stage distribution varies with habitat:
- Larvae: predominantly on ground‑level vegetation and leaf litter, where small rodents are abundant.
- Nymphs: frequently found on grass blades and the lower portions of shrubs, exploiting both rodent and bird hosts.
- Adults: concentrate on the lower stems of bushes and on the base of trees, targeting larger mammals such as deer and dogs.
Seasonal shifts modify habitat use. In spring, emerging larvae and nymphs exploit the moist grass layer after snow melt. Summer heat drives many individuals upward into shrub canopies to avoid desiccation. Autumn brings a return to ground cover as temperatures decline and humidity rises.
Human exposure correlates with activity zones. Walking through tall grass increases the likelihood of contact with questing nymphs, while trimming or walking near dense bushes raises the risk of encountering adult ticks. Preventive measures include wearing long clothing, applying repellents, and performing thorough body checks after traversing either environment.