Ticks are small, insect-like creatures most often found outside in shaded areas with grass, rocks, logs, and fallen leaves. Ticks bite and feed by attaching to animals and humans, sticking their mouthparts into the skin, and sucking blood for up to several days. There are many different kinds of ticks in California, but only six kinds are known to commonly bite humans. Sometimes these ticks carry germs (like bacteria or viruses) that can spread to a person while the tick is attached and cause disease. 

The best way to avoid getting tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites: use tick repellent when going outside in areas where ticks are common, and check for ticks often while outside and after you return indoors. If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it right away with tweezers.