The Other Side of Ticks: Do They Actually Benefit Anything?

[RustyPine17]

I've always hated ticks for the threats they pose, but do they have any ecological purpose? Anyone know what they really contribute to our ecosystem, if anything? Let's talk!

 

[DR505]

Yes, they are critical to the dietary needs of opossums!

 

[deerstalkert]

I suppose they are helpful to field game in that if I am hunting birds and discover one (a tick) on me, I run from the field squealing like a girl! one would think that after 70+ years of hunting, I would have developed a tolerance to them. Nope. I find one on me and will feel them crawling on me for days.
My part of Idaho is Opossum free so I can kill all and every tick without guilt.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I too despise ticks ( or any parasite)

I'm especially concerned about my dog when I'm birds hunting or running him in the summer in preparation for bird season