ABSTRACT
The rapid proliferation of ticks in the evolving landscapes of eastern North America and Europe commands increasing public attention. Many wooded sites that once nurtured the carefree traveler are now regarded as a threat to our health and peace of mind. Publicity concerning the recent emergence of Lyme disease, in particular, causes people to demand protection from ticks and fear the forest edge. This trend dates back only to the early 1980s. This chapter, therefore, is designed to acquaint medical practitioners with the natural history of vector ticks and provide them with a basis for understanding the epidemiology of tickborne infections.
