Ticks are tiny arachnids, and just like their spider relatives, have 8 legs. Unlike adult spiders, ticks are ectoparasites, which means they stay alive by feeding on the blood of mammals.
Ticks cannot jump or fly; instead, they climb vegetation and wait for a host to come into contact with them, when they attach themselves and begin feeding.
Typically, ticks live in wooded or grassy areas, like forested properties, provincial and national parks, and the woods. Ticks are most active in Spring and Fall but will begin biting as soon as temperatures are consistently above 7 degrees.
Ticks have 4 life stages; Egg, Larvae, Nymph, and Adult. The entire tick life cycle can last up to 3 years.
