Ticks

Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids that are commonly found in wooded, grassy areas, and are known to attach to mammals, birds, and even reptiles to feed. They can range in size from as small as a poppy seed to as large as a marble when engorged with blood. Ticks are of particular concern because they are known to transmit several diseases, including **Lyme disease**, **Rocky Mountain spotted fever**, and **babesiosis**. In Texas, the most common types include the **black-legged (deer) tick**, **American dog tick**, and **Lone Star tick**. Ticks latch onto their hosts by crawling through grass and vegetation, waiting for contact, and then attaching to the skin. Prevention is key, and includes using tick repellents, wearing protective clothing when hiking, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. Removing ticks promptly with tweezers can reduce the risk of disease transmission.