Ticks are small arachnids in a family called Ixodoidea that, along with mites, make up the Acarina. Mites are some of the most diverse and prosperous of all the invertebrate classes. They are able to survive in a vast array of habitats, and because of their minscule size they often go unnoticed, and in fact, most of them are microscopic. The majority of mites live in the earth or water, but a large number of species are parasites and live on plants and animals, such as ticks.

The Minnesota Department of Health has a bunch of information about tcks as well. In the information I read, I learned that the larvae of ticks feed on white-footed mice and other small mammals.

 

Ticks are external parasites live on the blood of animals. Ticks are relatives to red bugs, also called chiggers. Ticks are carriers of a several diseases, including Lyme disease, Q fever, Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and several others.

Baby ticks have six legs, and adults have eight. They are usually the size of the head of a match. Males are usually black and females have a dark red abdomen.

The best way to avoid diseases is by minimizing your risks, exposure, and taking precautions.  Lyme Disease is caused by bacteria carried by a certain ticks. If an infected tick attaches to a person, it can pass Lyme Disease.  To prevent ticks from attaching to you, take several precautions such as: