What family do hard ticks belong to?

Hard ticks belong to the family Ixodidae. This family is characterized by their hard, shield-like scutum covering their dorsal side, which distinguishes them from soft ticks, which are part of the Argasidae family and lack this feature. Ixodidae ticks are known for their role as vectors for various diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, due to their ability to attach firmly to hosts and feed on their blood over extended periods. Understanding the family classification is essential for pest control professionals, as it helps identify the proper management practices for these ticks in the context of public health and animal disease prevention.