Be careful, the adult female ticks are still looking for a blood meal so they can lay their egg cluster. It can take a second for a tick to hitch a ride while your out enjoying your yard or in the woods. Always check your self, your family and your pets after being outside. American dog ticks are  most numerous along roadsides, paths, old fields, marshy areas and trails in brushy woodlands or meadows with  tall grass or weeds. So it is very likely you or your pet may bring these ticks from outdoors into the home, where they can survive for many days.