There are over 800 species of ticks throughout the world, but only two families of ticks, Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks), are known to transmit diseases or illness to humans.

Ticks are external parasites, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. The timing of the origin of ticks is uncertain, though the oldest known tick fossils are …

Learn where ticks live, how to prevent tick bites, and what to do after a tick bite. Homepage for CDC's website about ticks and tickborne diseases.

Jul 24, 2025 · Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever, so prompt removal and medical attention are crucial. To remove a tick, use fine …

Nov 14, 2023 · As of 2019, Lyme disease is the most often diagnosed tick-borne illness. Here are images of unfed, human-biting ticks. The images also show where the ticks might be found in the …

Several species of ticks are known to bite people and pets and may harbor dangerous bacteria, viruses or parasites. Not all ticks carry diseases. Tick-related diseases such as Lyme disease do occur in …

Jul 25, 2025 · Insects have six legs and most have wings as adults, while nymphal and adult ticks have eight legs, no wings and are more closely related to spiders. Ticks are blood-feeding arthropods with …

Jan 16, 2026 · A tick is any of about 970 species of parasitic invertebrates in the order Ixodida. Ticks are important parasites of large wild and domestic animals and are also significant carriers of serious …

Ticks are small bugs that can be hard to spot when they’re crawling on you. Tick bites can sometimes spread dangerous diseases, like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Oct 13, 2024 · Ticks are parasites that feed on blood and can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, causing symptoms ranging from fever to severe illness.