Ixodes Ricinus / Sheep Tick

Where does Ixodes Ricinus live?

The sheep tick is known in the northern hemisphere and is commonly found in Northern and Eastern Europe. Additionally, Ixodes Ricinus is also present in Russia and the northern countries of Asia. This tick species is also familiar in Canada and the northern United States.
Ixodes Ricinus is mainly found in places with high humidity, such as areas with low vegetation. The tick hides in various ‘green’ areas, such as bushes, tall grasses, and trees. Not only in nature parks, but also in city parks, grassy dykes, meadows, and gardens. Ticks are primarily active from March to November, but they sometimes appear during mild winters. They are less present during a hot dry summer period.
The tick often attaches itself to the human body and prefers warm damp places to sit. Think of areas like groins, knee hollows, underarms, the place behind the ears, and the groin area. Because children are smaller, ticks often hide around their hairline or behind the ears.

Development of Ixodes Ricinus

The tick develops from a larva to a nymph. It then becomes an adult tick, and males and females can be distinguished. The nymphs are probably the most significant in transmitting diseases to humans, as they have already sucked blood and can therefore carry toxins. The nymph is only about a millimeter in size and is easily overlooked. Females are often the largest and therefore slightly more noticeable. Male ticks do not suck blood and therefore do not play a role in transmitting diseases.