Not all ticks are dangerous, but some can transmit serious diseases. In particular, Ixodes ticks — also known as deer ticks or black-legged ticks — are the primary carriers of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. These ticks are commonly found in North America and Europe, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Other ticks, like dog ticks or lone star ticks, don’t typically transmit Borrelia, though they can carry other pathogens. | Mahyar "Max" Maddahali, MD