Ticks are attracted to carbon dioxide given off by animals and are thick within a few yards of trails used by rodents and wildlife. They thrive in areas of high humidity such as leaf lifter, brush, tall grass and shaded lawns. Dry, open fields and sunny mowed lawns are considerably safer. A tick will perch itself in low brush or on a blade of grass to await a passing host. They wait for a host to brush up against them, usually at a height of no more than 2 feet.
Youngsters are likely to pick up ticks while playing.
Children ages 5 to 15 are at the highest risk of acquiring Lyme disease. Ticks crawl onto the body from the bottom and work their way up. They may crawl for several hours before feeding. They prefer warm, dark, moist areas of the body. The tick's mouthparts cut into the skin with three prongs, but its bite is painless.