Ticks that transmit Lyme disease can retain the infection throughout their life and are able to transmit the infection to subsequent hosts. Adult ticks generally do not pass the spirochete on to the next generation. Other host-specific ticks may play a minor role in maintaining the infection in nature. These ticks feed almost exclusively on the hosts mentioned in their common name. These ticks can be anywhere - in the woods, by the seashore, or even in your backyard.
Ticks can survive under a variety of conditions as long as adequate moisture is available.
An infective tick with local infection must be attached to the host for a day or more before transmission of Bb occurs. However, a systematically infected tick or improper tick removal may cause transmission of LD much sooner. Tick infection rates vary geographically and from one year to another.