What is the behavior of the American dog tick toward humans and homes?

• A. Attack
• B. Bites only at night
• C. Ignore humans
• D. Live in water

Answer: (A)

Ticks are ectoparasites that actively seek out hosts. The American dog tick will bite humans when it encounters them, attaching to the skin and feeding for a period of time. They typically inhabit grassy, brushy, or wooded areas where they wait on vegetation for a passing host, and they can be brought into homes on pets or clothing. They are not aquatic and do not live in water, and bites can occur during the day as well as at night. So, in terms of behavior toward humans and homes, the ticks’ tendency to attach and feed is best described by "attack."