Who does an infected tick bite? - briefly
Infected ticks attach to humans and a wide range of mammals, including domestic pets such as dogs and cats, as well as wildlife like deer and rodents. Their bites can transmit pathogens that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis.
Who does an infected tick bite? - in detail
Infected ticks attach to any warm‑blooded vertebrate that provides a suitable feeding site. Mammals are the primary hosts; small rodents such as mice and voles often serve as initial reservoirs for pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi, while larger mammals—deer, dogs, cattle, and humans—receive adult ticks seeking a blood meal. Birds can also be bitten, especially during the larval and nymph stages, and may transport ticks over long distances. Reptiles and amphibians are occasional hosts for certain tick species, but they rarely acquire the same zoonotic agents. The likelihood of a bite increases for outdoor individuals who:
- Walk or work in wooded, grassy, or brushy environments.
- Engage in activities during peak tick activity (spring and early summer).
- Wear inadequate clothing that leaves skin exposed.
- Have pets that roam in tick‑infested areas, bringing ticks into the home.
Overall, any vertebrate that encounters questing ticks in suitable habitats can become a target for an infected arthropod, with humans and domestic animals representing the most common medically relevant hosts.