A tick is an arthropod, more specifically an arachnid.  They are most often found in gardens, forests, and fields.

Ticks are parasites that live on the blood of mammals and birds. They are small, eight-legged creatures that attach themselves to their hosts, and may carry and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, tularemia, babesiosis and tick-borne encephalitis.

Ticks have three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The female tick lays her eggs on the ground or vegetation near animals or humans. 

To protect yourself, your pet, and yard  for tick avoided and maintain bushy areas with high grasses and leaf litter. Treat the lawn on a monthly basis with appropriate products. 

Pets are the usual source, but not always. It is important to have pets treated by a professional groomer and keep on a maintenance program. 

Extra Mile Pest control applies IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) in addition to proper products.