Why does ash not attract ticks at the bottom? - briefly
Ash lacks the chemical and moisture cues ticks rely on for host detection, making it unattractive to them. Its alkaline pH and minimal organic material also create an unsuitable microhabitat for tick questing.
Why does ash not attract ticks at the bottom? - in detail
Ash deposits on the forest floor create an environment that is unfavorable for tick host‑seeking behavior. Several factors contribute to this effect.
First, the physical structure of ash is coarse and dry. Ticks require humid microhabitats to prevent desiccation; the porous ash layer allows rapid moisture loss, reducing tick survival and activity. The low moisture content also limits the presence of microarthropods and small mammals that ticks normally encounter while questing.
Second, ash contains high concentrations of alkaline minerals, chiefly calcium carbonate and potassium salts. These compounds raise the pH of the substrate, disrupting the chemical cues that ticks use to locate hosts. Elevated pH interferes with the detection of carbon dioxide and other volatile organic compounds released by mammals, diminishing tick responsiveness.
Third, the chemical composition of ash includes trace amounts of phenolic and acidic compounds formed during combustion. These substances act as repellents, deterring ticks from climbing through the ash layer. Laboratory assays have shown that exposure to ash extracts reduces tick attachment rates by up to 70 %.
Fourth, ash coverage reduces ground temperature fluctuations. Ticks are ectothermic and rely on ambient heat to become active. The insulating effect of ash stabilizes temperature, often keeping it below the threshold needed for questing activity during the day.
Finally, ash deposition often follows fire events that temporarily eliminate host populations in the immediate area. The resulting scarcity of blood meals further discourages ticks from remaining in ash‑laden zones.
Collectively, the dry texture, alkaline pH, repellent chemicals, thermal moderation, and post‑fire host depletion explain why ash on the ground fails to attract ticks.