Ticks usually have 4 development stages. They look for different hosts in each. The entire development cycle of this parasite lasts for 2-3 years and is divided into the following phases:
egg,
larva,
nymph,
Adult individual.
From the moment the larva hatches out of the egg, the tick needs to survive in every stage of development. Those who do not find the host will die.
A thorough search
The ticks choose the victim's odor and bodily odor. They also perceive temperature, humidity or vibration.
The ticks usually wait on the stalks of grass or on the leaves of the bushes that are held by the 3rd and 4th pair of legs.
As soon as the host approaches, the parasite swiftly picks up and catches him with another pair of legs.
The tick will find a suitable place for uninterrupted blood sucking on its victims - concentrating on dark places with higher moisture and thin skin .
Horses sprouted with infection
Once the ticks put their suction device into the skin of the host and feeds, it can take even a few days to become fully saturated. At the same time, the cloth begins to excrete a glue-like cloth that makes it firmly attached to the skin during suction. Saliva ticks have an annoying effect, so the bite does not feel. If the host's blood is infected, the tick clears the germs and becomes a carrier of some of the diseases.
From birds to humans
After shedding blood, the tick usually falls off and prepares for the next developmental stage. It attacks another host to which he can transfer the disease he has received from his previous saliva.
At larva stage ticks most often find rodents and birds.
Nymphs are mostly attracted to hares, cats or dogs. They can attack a man.
Adult individuals are typically hosts of cattle, wildlife, horses, dogs, and humans.
At the adult tick stage, only females are attributed to a human or animal, the role of the male is purely reproductive. After sucking the females lay eggs, die and the development cycle is repeated.
Source: Klíšťová encefalitida.cz