Where does the Lyme tick live? - briefly
The Lyme disease vector, Ixodes scapularis (or Ixodes ricinus in Europe), inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, especially humid leaf litter and shrub layers where small mammals and birds reside. It is also common in grasslands, suburban yards, and recreational trails that provide suitable microclimate and host access.
Where does the Lyme tick live? - in detail
The Lyme disease vector, Ixodes scapularis in eastern North America and Ixodes ricinus across much of Europe and parts of Asia, thrives in humid, temperate environments where hosts are abundant. Adult females require a blood meal from medium‑ to large‑sized mammals, while larvae and nymphs feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Consequently, the tick’s presence correlates with ecosystems that support these host populations.
Key habitats include:
- Deciduous and mixed woodlands with dense understory, providing leaf litter and shaded ground moisture.
- Edge zones where forest meets meadow or shrubland, offering both questing sites and access to diverse hosts.
- Overgrown grasslands and pasture lands with tall vegetation that retain humidity.
- Rocky or mountainous regions with cool microclimates, especially where vegetation is abundant.
- Urban parks and suburban green spaces that contain sufficient leaf litter and wildlife corridors.
Seasonal patterns affect distribution. In spring and early summer, nymphs are most active, seeking hosts in low vegetation. Adults peak in late summer and autumn, questing higher on vegetation to reach larger mammals. During winter, ticks enter a dormant state, sheltering in leaf litter, rodent burrows, or under bark, resuming activity when temperatures rise above 5 °C and relative humidity exceeds 80 %.
Geographic range spans:
- Eastern United States from southern Canada through the Gulf Coast, concentrating in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.
- Central and northern Europe, extending from the United Kingdom eastward through Scandinavia to the Baltic states and southern regions of Germany and France.
- Selected areas of Russia, Japan, and Korea where suitable climate and host species exist.
Microhabitat selection hinges on moisture retention; ticks avoid exposed, dry soils and prefer shaded, cool substrates that prevent desiccation. Their survival rates increase in environments with consistent leaf litter depth of at least 2 cm, providing both humidity and protection from predators.
Understanding these ecological preferences enables targeted public‑health measures, such as habitat management and awareness campaigns focused on high‑risk zones.