What type of areas do immature tick stages commonly inhabit?

Immature tick stages, particularly larval and nymph stages, are commonly found in overgrown lots and hiking trails due to the availability of host animals and suitable environmental conditions. These areas typically provide a dense vegetation cover that harbors small mammals and birds, which are the primary hosts for ticks at these life stages. The foliage in these locations allows ticks to easily attach themselves to passing animals.

While moist environments are essential for ticks to prevent desiccation, the specific habitats where immature ticks are most frequently encountered are indeed the overgrown areas. Gardens and parks may also harbor ticks, but they are often managed and less overgrown compared to wild areas, which can limit tick populations. Residential basements are not typical habitats for immature ticks as they thrive outdoors in natural settings. Therefore, overgrown lots and hiking trails represent the most favorable environments for immature ticks, aligning with their biological needs for survival and reproduction.