The presence of the ticksis closely related to the presensce of its hosts. Since mammals, birds and even reptils can serve as hosts it is reasonable to assume a worldwide spreading.
Ixodes ricinus is found in temperate zones in Europe and Northamerica. It prefers locations with favourable microclimatic circumstances like high humidity and appropriate temperature, e.g. on the edges of forest, on clearing with tall grass and brook meadows. They are also often found on the leaves in mixed forest without under brush. Especially dangerous for people are areas where one type of habitat changes in to another like edges of paths and forests with grasses, weeds and bushes where adult ticks are usually located. Ticks seeking a host usually sit directly on the leaves or the weeds.
An occurence of ticks on trees is not possible.

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