Where are ticks commonly found?

Ticks are commonly found in environments that provide them with suitable conditions to thrive, which include areas with high grass, shrubs, and wooded regions. The choice regarding California and Nevada, particularly in higher elevations and grassy areas, is accurate because these locations offer the ideal habitat for various tick species. Ticks seek out places where they can easily latch onto hosts such as mammals, birds, and even humans. Grassy and shrubby areas allow ticks to ambush passing hosts as they wait on vegetation.

While it may be possible to encounter ticks in urban areas, they are not typically associated with urban environments where landscaping is more controlled, and open space may be limited. Sandy beaches typically lack the necessary vegetation for ticks to inhabit, making them an unlikely location for tick populations. Additionally, while ticks can occasionally be found in homes, this is not their primary habitat. They usually enter residences when carried in on pets or clothing after a host has been in tick-prone areas.