Are ticks really as bad as everyone says?

[RustyPine17]

I've heard a lot about ticks and their diseases, but do they actually do anything beneficial in the ecosystem? I'm curious if anyone has a different perspective.

 

[nksmfamjp]

That's an interesting question…..To me, I find them annoying.

AI says:

Here's a more detailed look at their ecological benefits:

1. Food Source:

• Ticks are a food source for various predators, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals like opossums.
• These predators help control tick populations, contributing to the overall balance of the ecosystem.

2. Population Control:

• By transmitting diseases, ticks can help regulate the populations of other animals, particularly weaker or sick individuals.
• This can be a natural form of selection, allowing healthier animals to thrive.

3. Nutrient Cycling:

• Ticks play a role in nutrient cycling by transferring nutrients between different organisms as they feed and move through the ecosystem, according to Mosquito Man.

4. Indicator of Ecosystem Health:

• Tick populations can be an indicator of the overall health and stability of an ecosystem, according to deltacos.com.
  
  
• Changes in tick populations can reflect changes in the populations of their hosts and predators.

 

[Dstegjas]

I agree, they are very annoying. They are or can be a serious health risk too. It seems that they have gotten worse over the last several years. The good news is after the first freeze they start fading out. That doesn't help much when you're out during the summer clearing trails or just having fun.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I agree, they are very annoying. They are or can be a serious health risk too. It seems that they have gotten worse over the last several years. The good news is after the first freeze they start fading out. That doesn't help much when you're out during the summer clearing trails or just having fun.

Well, you are not real loved when your top 2 reasons to be alive are to be eaten and to kill others by spreading disease

 

[Dstegjas]

Well, you are not real loved when your top 2 reasons to be alive are to be eaten and to kill others by spreading disease

You definitely have a point there.