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About ticks
H3D
ZA Sous la Combe
01590 LAVANCIA
FRANCE
Tel: 33 (0)4 74 75 86 72
Fax: 33 (0)4 74 77 79 52
Contact us
Frequently asked questions about ticks
How big is a tick?
In general, ticks vary from 1 mm to 1 cm in size.
The smallest are less than 1 mm; the biggest can be up to 1 cm (5 cm in tropical countries…)
How do ticks detect their future host?
The host is detected mainly through the heat it gives off. Carbon dioxide can also be a stimulus for the tick.
How many species of ticks exist?
There are over 850 but most of them are tropical. About 4 to 5 species are common in the USA, and 5 to 7 in Europe.
Are ticks insects?
No, they are not. They are arachnids, just like spiders; they have 8 legs (insects have only 6).
The fact that ticks are not insects explains their resistance to insecticides.
Are there any seasons when ticks are not present?
Ticks start to be active as soon as the outside temperature exceeds 5-7 °C (40-45 °F) and there is enough humidity.
Although ticks are less common in cold weather, it is not impossible to be bitten on milder days during the winter.
Are there any areas where ticks are not present?
Some areas are considered more “tick infested” than others, but anywhere ther is vegetation, ticks are never too far to be found, even in urban areas.
The only areas where ticks are not present are mountainous zones (at an altitude above 1,200 m in France) and polar zones.