Where does the chicken tick live? - briefly
«The chicken tick inhabits the plumage and skin of domestic fowl, favoring warm, moist settings such as poultry houses and coops.» «Its distribution peaks in humid regions where litter and nesting material create optimal microhabitats.»
Where does the chicken tick live? - in detail
The chicken tick, scientifically designated as «Argas persicus», is a soft‑bodied ectoparasite that specializes in avian hosts, particularly domestic fowl. Its distribution follows the presence of poultry, concentrating in regions where warm, humid conditions prevail. Major zones include the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, sub‑Saharan Africa, South‑East Asia, and parts of the Americas where climate supports year‑round rearing of chickens.
The tick occupies the interior of poultry housing rather than the birds themselves. Preferred sites are:
- cracks and crevices in walls or flooring,
- under roosting bars,
- within nesting material such as straw, wood shavings, or sawdust,
- hidden corners of coops where sunlight does not reach.
These microhabitats provide darkness, stable temperature, and high relative humidity, essential for development. Ambient temperatures between 20 °C and 35 °C, coupled with humidity levels of 70 %–90 %, create optimal conditions for egg incubation and larval survival.
Life‑cycle stages occur within the same protected environment. Females deposit eggs in sheltered locations; larvae emerge and attach to chickens for brief blood meals, then retreat to the same refuge to molt. Nymphs and adults repeat this pattern, feeding intermittently and remaining concealed between meals. The cycle completes in roughly 30–45 days under favorable conditions.
Control measures focus on eliminating the tick’s refuges: thorough cleaning of coop interiors, replacement of litter, sealing of cracks, and maintaining lower humidity through ventilation. These actions directly disrupt the habitat required for the tick’s persistence.