Ticks are tiny, blood-feeding arthropods closely related to spiders and mites. With the ability to feed on a variety of hosts, ticks can be found in many environments—shoreline, forest, farm, field, and playground. On school and child care facilities, they may be found on school yards located in and around wooded areas, paths, and cross-country trails. Ticks are a public health risk because they feed on the blood of humans and other animals, and can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease. Awareness and a little precaution can help you steer clear of tickborne illness and the discomfort of being bitten by ticks.