Which behavior increases the likelihood of tick bites?

Walking through tall grass and brush without protection significantly increases the likelihood of tick bites because these environments are typical habitats for ticks. Ticks often reside in areas with dense vegetation where they can latch onto a passing host. When a person traverses such terrain without appropriate protective measures, like wearing long pants or using repellent, they are much more exposed to encountering ticks.

In contrast, wearing brightly colored clothing does not attract ticks more than neutral or dark colors, while using insect repellent appropriately can actually deter ticks. Staying on paved paths helps minimize contact with tick habitats since ticks are typically found in woods and grassy areas rather than on hard surfaces. Thus, the behavior of walking through tall grass and brush without protection is the primary action that elevates the risk of tick bites.