You might think ticks are found only on hiking trails or in wild, natural areas, but in some parts of California, ticks can also live in backyards and neighborhoods. Californians living near natural areas (such as open fields, parks, or urban hiking trails) should get to know their arachnid neighbors and learn how to avoid ticks at home.

Meet the Western Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes pacificus)

Ticks are found outdoors in brushy, wooded areas on plants, rocks, logs, and in leaves and twigs on the ground. Beginning in fall, adult western blacklegged ticks emerge in California, especially in northern coastal counties and the Sierra Nevada foothills. These ticks lurk on bushes, shrubs, and the...