ticks are definitely benefiting from global warming. they are extremely environmentally resistant- especially in warm, drought-like conditions. they also have few natural predators.

increased temperatures also decrease their periods of dormancy over the winter. they can emerge from their nymph stages in the winter earlier, at which point they'll require a blood meal to develop to adults. the nymphs actually prefer to feed on white-footed mice, but will feed on humans if they are around.