Ticks are parasitic arachnids that survive exclusively on blood. Every stage of their life cycle—larva, nymph, and adult— requires a blood meal to develop and reproduce. This dependence on blood is also what makes ticks dangerous, as they can transmit a variety of pathogens while feeding.

How Ticks Feed on Humans and Animals

When a tick attaches itself to a host, it pierces the skin using specialized claws and a barbed feeding structure. As it draws blood, the tick may transmit harmful pathogens through its saliva. These pathogens can cause serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

How Ticks Locate Their Hosts

Despite having no eyes, ticks are highly effective at finding a host. They rely on sensory organs located on the tips of their front legs—called Haller’s organs—to detect:

• Body heat from humans and animals
• Carbon dioxide exhaled by mammals
• Vibrations, movement, and shadows
• Moisture and scents from skin

From several feet away, a tick can sense that a potential host is approaching. It then climbs vegetation and waits with its front legs extended, a behavior known as "questing." When a person or animal brushes past, the tick uses its claws to latch onto clothing, fur, or skin.

Ticks Are Arachnids—Not Insects

Ticks belong to the arachnid family, which also includes spiders, mites, and scorpions. Like spiders, they have:

• Eight legs
• A hard exoskeleton
• No antennae
• Multiple developmental stages

Understanding this classification helps explain why ticks behave differently from common insects—and why traditional chemical pest control methods often fail to control them effectively.

How Ticks Stay Attached While Feeding

Once a tick punctures the skin, it uses its barbed mouthparts to anchor itself securely. The tick then releases a sticky substance from its mouth, often referred to as a cement-like secretion, which helps it remain firmly attached for days.

Tick saliva contains several compounds that assist feeding, including:

• Anticoagulants — prevent the host’s blood from clotting
• Immunosuppressants — help ticks evade detection by the host’s immune system
• Pain inhibitors — make the bite nearly undetectable

After feeding until engorged, the adhesive secretion naturally dissolves, allowing the tick to drop off and continue its life cycle.

Why Understanding Tick Feeding Behavior Matters

Knowing how ticks locate hosts, attach, and feed is crucial for preventing tick bites and the spread of tick-borne diseases. Quick removal, regular yard maintenance, and all-natural tick control treatments dramatically reduce your exposure.

To learn more about all-natural tick and mosquito protection for your property, visit Bite Back Tick & Mosquito Control.

Updated: November 23, 2025