Ticks act on instinct. They are attracted to CO2 given off by man and animals. Typically they stay within only a few yards of an animal trail or home. This includes stone walls flower beds, and ground hog holes. Ticks are thick in these areas.
Animals are creatures of habit and use the same trails over and over again.
Ticks position themselves in spots wine they can attach themselves to the largest host possible. They climb to the top of a tall blade of grass and wait for a host to pass. The top of low brush is up against favorite spot. Ticks cannot hop, jump or fly. The host must brush up against one in order for a tick to attach.